Nishiyama O, Kondoh Y, Kimura T, Kato K, Kataoka K, Ogawa T, Watanabe F, Arizono S, Nishimura K, Taniguchi H Respirology. 2008;13(3):394-399.

Background and Objective: Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective for patients with COPD, its efficacy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PR on IPF.

Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with IPF, according to the ATS/ERS consensus statement, were randomly assigned to a PR or a control group. PR consisted of a 10 week program of exercise training integrated with peripheral muscle training and educational training. Pulmonary function, arterial blood gas analysis, 6 minute walk distance, dyspnea ratings and health related quality of life (using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) were evaluated at baseline and the end of the PR program.

Results: Assessment of efficacy was carried out on 13 patients in the PR group and 15 patients in the control group. Measures of pulmonary function, arterial blood gas analysis, and dyspnea ratings were similar between the groups. An improvement in 6 minute walk distance (mean difference 46.3 m [95% CI: 8.3-84.4], P < 0.05) and total health related quality of life (-6.1 [95% CI: -11.7 to -0.5], P < 0.05) were noted in the PR group.

Conclusions: Pulmonary rehabilitation improves both exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with IPF.