Pulmonary rehabilitation protocols in urgent lung transplantation patients

BACKGROUND:Prolonged invasive respiratory support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)in patients requiring urgent lung transplantation(ULTx)present signifi cant challenges to clinical practice due to severe underlying diseases and complex conditions.The aim of the study was to report the clinical outcomes of patients who received ULTx and followed the perioperative rehabilitation protocol implemented in a lung transplant center.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted in ULTx patients who required preoperative invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV)and ECMO between January 2018 and January 2023.Data were retrieved from electronic medical records at our lung transplant center.RESULTS:Fourteen patients(mean age 57.43±10.97 years;12 males,2 females)underwent ULTx with bridging ECMO and IMV.The mean body mass index was 23.94±3.33 kg/m²,and the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score was 21.50±3.96.The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002(NRS 2002)scores were≥3.ULTx was performed after an 8.5-day waiting period(interquartile interval[IQR]5.0-26.5 d).Following the surgeries,the average lengths of ECMO and IMV were 1.0(IQR 1.0-2.0)d and 5.0(IQR 3.0-7.3)d,respectively.The total length of hospital stay was 60.1±30.8 d,with an average intensive care unit stay of 38.3±22.9 d and post-operative hospitalization stay of 45.8±26.1 d.Two patients died within 30 d after ULTx,with a 30-day survival rate of 85.71%.CONCLUSION:Patients receiving ULTx showed an acceptable short-term survival rate,validating the practicality and safety of the treatment protocols implemented in our center.

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation exercise(pulmonary Daoyin)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:Previous research has demonstrated that pulmonary Daoyin could be an efficacious way to ameliorate the physical and psychological state of sufferers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and bolster the quality of life.However,the results are not consistent.Thus,the objective of this research is to assess the impacts of pulmonary Daoyin in individuals with COPD.Methods:Relevant articles were searched in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMBASE,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang,and VIP from database inception to January 2024.Results:There were a total of 15 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)included in this meta-analysis involving 1732 patients,of which 864 participated in the intervention group and 868 in the control group.When comparing with the control group,the COPD patients practicing pulmonary Daoyin demonstrated a significant improvement in 6 min walking distance(mean difference[MD]=24.53,95%confidence interval[CI][18.55,30.52],P<0.00001),forced expiratory volume in the 1 s(FEV_(1))(MD=0.39,95%CI[0.18,0.59],P=0.0002),percentage of FEV_(1)to the predicted value(FEV_(1)%)(MD=5.35,95%CI[3.22,7.48],P<0.0001),the forced vital capacity(FVC)(MD=0.39,95%CI[0.06,0.73],P=0.02),percentage of FVC to the predicted value(FVC%)(MD=7.52,95%CI[4.91,10.13],P<0.00001),the ratio of FEV_(1)/FVC(MD=4.95,95%CI[0.91,8.99],P=0.02),peak expiratory flow rate(standardized MD=0.98,95%CI[0.74,1.22],P<0.00001),modified Medical Research Council(mMRC)scale(MD=-0.47,95%CI[-0.89,-0.04],P=0.03),and Borg scale(MD=-0.65,95%CI[-0.75,-0.55],P<0.00001).Conclusions:Our findings may illuminate the influence of pulmonary Daoyin on exercise ability,breathlessness,and pulmonary function in COPD patients.More rigorous RCTs with larger samples and longer-term interventions will be required moving forward.

Research Status of TCM Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This paper mainly analyzes the application status of TCM rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),hoping to provide support and help for clinical staff through this study,and promote the further development of COPD rehabilitation program.

Research Progress on Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Children with Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to the physical and mental health of children globally.Currently,pulmonary rehabilitation is a non-pharmacological intervention that has shown promise in treating chronic respiratory diseases.However,most studies related to pulmonary rehabilitation only focus on chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),lung cancer,and bronchiectasis.Research on bronchial asthma in children is still in the preliminary stages.This article reviews the concept,basic content,and application mode of pulmonary rehabilitation,to provide reference for the clinical research of pulmonary rehabilitation in children with bronchial asthma,and to carry out multimodal pulmonary rehabilitation to improve the disease control level and quality of life of asthma in children.

Analysis of the Effect of Respiratory Rehabilitation Nursing on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To understand the impact of respiratory rehabilitation nursing on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),and to provide a theoretical basis for better clinical implementation of this nursing measure.Methods:68 COPD patients admitted from September 2022 to July 2023 were selected to determine the type of COPD(mild,moderate,severe)based on clinical manifestations and laboratory test results,and were divided into a study group(42 cases)and a control group(26 cases),with the control group adopting the conventional treatment plan,and the patients in the study group receiving individualized respiratory rehabilitation nursing care.The patients’respiratory function and quality of life after treatment are observed.Results:The total score of the study group(65.71±12.02)was significantly higher than that of the control group(52.73±11.54),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);in terms of pulmonary function,the results of pulmonary function tests of the two groups of patients were in the normal range after treatment,and the study group was slightly better than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the score of the study group in terms of exercise endurance was significantly higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Respiratory rehabilitation nursing can effectively improve the quality of life of COPD patients,and is worthy of popularization and application.

Evaluation of the intervention of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)can be prevented and treated,although presenting with persistent airflow restriction;the airflow restriction caused by COPD is mostly progressive.In recent years,more attention has been paid to the home-based pulmonary rehabilitation(PR)and its influence on COPD.Exercise training is the basic constituent of PR.However,it is not clear which exercise trainings are the ideal ways to deliver home-based PR.Methods:In this review,we focus on the effect of home-based exercise training on patients with COPD.We searched literature,which was necessarily required to be randomized controlled trails(RCTs)from the establishment of the four respective databases(Medline,PubMed,Web of Science,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure)from January 2008 to January 2018.We used the Cochrane collaborative“risk of bias”tool to assess the quality of evidence.A total of 21 trials(1694 participants)were included.Through the analysis of the literature,we find that a simple,low-cost,and low-intensity family-based lung-rehabilitation plan to adapt to the real life may lead to the improvement of the ability to exercise,the reduction of the difficulty in breathing,and the improvement of carrying out daily activities.Results:In the exercise training of home-based PR,lower limb exercise(LLE)training demonstrated a more perceptible effect in improving the quality of life of patients with COPD.At the same time,the combination of LLE training,breathing training,and upper limb exercise training is more obvious than the simple LLE training.In addition,home-based low-intensity aerobic training may sometimes be no less than the outpatient or center intervention to improve dyspnea,health status,and exercise tolerance.In conclusion,the simple and easy home-based PR exercise program is useful.Long-term home-based PR may require an enhanced need for maintenance.Conclusions:A simple,low-cost,and low-intensity high blood pressure response(HBPR)plan to adapt to the real life may lead to an augmentation in the ability to exercise,a reduction of the difficulty in breathing,and an improvement in carrying out day-to-day activities.HBPR strategies can benefit patients(elderly patients with COPD at home)in the long term.

Operation room nursing based on humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide on rehabilitation effect after lung surgery

BACKGROUND With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases,lung segment surgery has become increasingly common.Postoperative rehabilitation is critical for patient recovery,yet challenges such as complications and adverse outcomes persist.Incorporating humanized nursing modes and novel treatments like nitric oxide inhalation may enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications.AIM To evaluate the effects of a humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide inhalation on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing lung surgery,focusing on pulmonary function,recovery speed,and overall treatment costs.METHODS A total of 79 patients who underwent lung surgery at a tertiary hospital from March 2021 to December 2021 were divided into a control group(n=39)receiving a routine nursing program and an experimental group(n=40)receiving additional humanized nursing interventions and atomized inhalation of nitric oxide.Key indicators were compared between the two groups alongside an analysis of treatment costs.RESULTS The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in pulmonary function,reduced average recovery time,and lower total treatment costs compared to the control group.Moreover,the quality of life in the experimental group was significantly better in the 3 months post-surgery,indicating a more effective rehabilitation process.CONCLUSION The combination of humanized nursing mode and nitric oxide inhalation in postoperative care for lung surgery patients significantly enhances pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes,accelerates recovery,and reduces economic burden.This approach offers a promising reference for improving patient care and rehabilitation efficiency following lung surgery.

Effects of respiratory muscle training on post-stroke rehabilitation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Stroke often results in significant respiratory dysfunction in patients.Respiratory muscle training(RMT)has been proposed as a rehabilitative intervention to address these challenges,but its effectiveness compared to routine training remains debated.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of RMT on exercise tolerance,muscle strength,and pulmonary function in post-stroke patients.AIM To systematically assess the efficacy of RMT in improving exercise tolerance,respiratory muscle strength,and pulmonary function in patients recovering from a stroke,and to evaluate whether RMT offers a significant advantage over routine training modalities in enhancing these critical health outcomes in the post-stroke population.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,a comprehensive search across PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was conducted on October 19,2023,without temporal restrictions.Studies were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on various forms of RMT,control groups,and outcome measures[including forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV),peak expiratory flow(PEF),maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP),maximal expiratory pressure(MEP),and 6-min walking test(6MWT)].Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)were included.Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Statistical analyses,including those using the fixed-effect and random-effects models,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias assessment,were performed using Review Manager software.RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs were included.Results indicated significant improvements in MIP(12.51 cmH2O increase),MEP(6.24 cmH2O increase),and various pulmonary function parameters(including FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF).A substantial increase in 6MWT distance(22.26 meters)was also noted.However,the heterogeneity among studies was variable,and no significant publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION RMT significantly enhances walking ability,respiratory muscle strength(MIP and MEP),and key pulmonary function parameters(FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF)in post-stroke patients.These findings support the incorporation of RMT into post-stroke rehabilitative protocols.

Effects of modified pulmonary rehabilitation on patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:A randomized controlled trail

Objectives:This study aimed to assess the effects of modified pulmonary rehabilitation(PR)on patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:A total of 125 patients(63 in the PR group and 62 in the control group)were recruited in this study.The patients in the PR group received 12 weeks of conventional treatment,nursing,and modified pulmonary rehabilitation,while the patients in the control group underwent 12 weeks of conventional treatment,nursing,pursed-lip breathing training,and abdominal breathing training.Baseline characteristics,St.George's Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ),the six-minute walk test(6MWT),modified medical research council(MMRC)dyspnea scale,and lung function were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 112 patients(58 patients in the PR group and 54 patients in the control group)completed the 12-week monitoring and follow-up.The SGRQ scores,symptoms(54.933±11.900),activity(52.644±14.334),impact(55.400±9.905),and total score(54.655±10.681)of the PR group did not significantly differ in pre-and post-treatments(P<0.05).No significant change was also observed in the control group(P>0.05).6MWT[(372.089±67.149)m]was significantly improved in the PR group(P<0.05)but was not significantly different in the control group(P>0.05).MMRC(actual rank sum 1719,rank sum 2047.5)was significantly reduced in the PR group(P<0.05)but not in the control group(P>0.05).The lung function(FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC,FEV1%and PEF)of the patients in both groups did not significantly change(P>0.05).Conclusion:Modified PR reduces the symptoms of dyspnea,increases exercise capacity,and improves the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe COPD.

Home versus centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: To evaluate the effects of home versus centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity, quality of life, and dyspnoea scores in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by meta-analysis. Methods: We searched the Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed and CINAHL (EBSCO) up to April 2020 without language restriction to collect randomized controlled trials of home versus centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Literatures screening, risk of bias assessment and data extraction for the included studies were conducted by two reviewers independently. The data analysis was carried out by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 9 studies, which comprised a total of 859 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Centre and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation were equally effective at improving exercise capacity (MD = 2.30, 95% CI: 12.02 to 7.42, P > 0.05) and dyspnoea scores (MD = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.17, P > 0.05). They were also equally effective at improving health-related quality of life on the chronic respiratory questionnaire (dyspnea: MD = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.13, P > 0.05;fatigue: MD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.07, P > 0.05;emotional function: MD = 0.18, 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.40, P > 0.05 and mastery: MD = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.11, P > 0.05), and on the St George's respiratory questionnaire (MD = 1.77, 95% CI: 4.54 to 0.99, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Home and centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation has similar effects on exercise capacity, quality of life, and dyspnoea scores in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation has the potential to be an alternative to centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation.

Systemic Inflammatory Markers and Disease Severity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—The Effect of Acute Exercise and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Background: Decreased physical capacity and increased systemic inflammatory response are frequently observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relationship between the inflammatory response and disease severity and the immunological response to exercise were addressed in COPD. Objective: The first objective was to identify systemic biomarkers and their relationship with COPD severity. The second objective was to examine the effect of both acute exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation on these biomarkers. Methods: Forty subjects participated in the study. Thirty-two patients with moderate or severe COPD and 8 healthy non-smokers completed the study. Spirometry was preformed. Physical capacity was determined by a progressive symptom-limited cycle ergo meter (incremental) test. Blood samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), pro-fibrotic cytokines (TGF-β) and oxidative burst in circulating leukocytes before and after exercise, and before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. Results: IL-6, CRP, WCC and TGF-β were higher in COPD (p α, CRP and TGF-β were negatively related to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (r = 0.4054, 0.3221, 0.1528, 0.1846 and 0.1187, respectively). Acute exercise increased circulating leucocytes and oxidative stress in both groups (p = 0.000, 0.0049 respectively), while IL-6 was increased in COPD group ((p = 0.0115) and circulating TNF-α in healthy control (p = 0.0369). Pulmonary rehabilitation didn’t modify the levels of inflammatory mediators. Conclusions: Reduced lung function is associated with increased levels of systemic inflammatory markers and acute exercise can further increase this inflammatory response. However pulmonary rehabilitation is unlikely to exacerbate systemic inflammation in COPD.

The Respiratory Rehabilitation Effect and Mechanism of Action of Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Devices

Chronic respiratory diseases are one of the major global health problems,and their treatment and management impose a huge burden on both patients’quality of life and healthcare resources.Respiratory rehabilitation,as a non-pharmacological treatment,has received increasing attention in recent years.Oscillating positive expiratory pressure(OPEP)devices,as a new type of respiratory rehabilitation device,show good application prospects in improving respiratory function,promoting sputum expectoration,and improving quality of life.The purpose of this paper is to review the effect and mechanism of OPEP in respiratory rehabilitation.

Nursing Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To study the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation nursing in nursing of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:30 cases of experimental subjects,diagnosed with COPD,were included in the observation group with pulmonary rehabilitation nursing,while the control group received routine nursing,and the data between the groups were compared.Results:After nursing,the observation group showed significantly improved lung function,higher nursing satisfaction,6-minute walking test(6WMT),World Health Organization Quality of Life(WHOQOL-BREF)score,and self-care ability score,compared to the control group,with P<0.05,indicating a statistical difference.Conclusion:Pulmonary rehabilitation nursing is applied in the nursing of COPD patients with ideal effect.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on oxidative stress in patients with pulmonary diseases

Exercise-training-based pulmonary rehabilitation has been confirmed to be effective in improving the activities of daily living (ADL) and relieving the dyspnea of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Exercise training increases the antioxidant capacity of COPD patients, but since strenuous exercise and acute exercise loading have the opposite effect and increase oxidative stress, it is important to establish exercise training conditions that efficiently raise antioxidant capacity without increasing oxidative stress. Research on oxidative stress during exercise training by COPD patients has been pursued from that standpoint, but in recent years the targets of research on respirator diseases other than COPD have been expanding. In this article we will therefore review the results of research that has been conducted thus far on the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on oxidative stress, including the results obtained at our own institution.

Seasonal variation and living alone are related to pulmonary rehabilitation non-completion

AIM: To identify baseline characteristics that independently predict pulmonary rehabilitation non-completion and compare these findings against the participant's reasons for non-completion. METHODS: Participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) who attended a standardised twice weekly, eight week pulmonary rehabilitation program(located in the sub-tropics, latitude 27°29' South) between 2010 and 2012 were recruited. Thebaseline characteristics of program completers and non-completers were compared in a case-controlled design. Participants who attended < 12/16 sessions were classified as a non-completer. Non-completers(those who missed > 4 session of the program) were asked by one independent investigator to participate in a survey about their pulmonary rehabilitation experience. Baseline characteristics were assessed for differences between program completers and non-completers. The baseline characteristics included disease severity, exercise capacity, smoking history, participant's social support and the season when each participant commenced rehabilitation. Non-completers that agreed to participate in the survey were asked to indicate what personal factors or external factors contributed to their program non-completion. Comparisons of completers and non-completers baseline characteristics were performed using cross-tabulations and t-tests, with significant measures analysed in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Non-completers survey responses were compared to the identified independent predictors using cross-tabulations.RESULTS: Twenty-six participants(23.4%) of the 111 participants with COPD [(mean ± SD) age was 67.4 ± 9.2 years and FEV1 54.6% ± 22.3%)], were classified as non-completers. Forty-five participants(40.5%) commenced pulmonary rehabilitation during winter. Thirty-six participants(32.4%) were living alone at program commencement. In the multivariate analysis(n = 111), only programs that commenced in winter(Exp B: 0.255, 95%CI: 0.090-0.727, P = 0.011) and participants that lived alone(Exp B: 2.925, 95%CI: 1.039-8.229, P = 0.042) were identified as independent predictors of program non-completion. Twenty participants of the twenty-six non-completers agreed to participate in the survey about their pulmonary rehabilitation experience. The reasons given for non-completion were grouped into: medical reasons(75%), other personal reasons(30%) and external barriers(45%), with ten non-completers reporting more than one reason.No participant reported living alone or that the program commenced during winter as a reason for noncompletion. There was no relationship between illness being the participant's reason for non-completion and the programs that commenced in winter(P = 0.135). CONCLUSION: Despite winter commencing programs and participants who lived alone being independent predictors of program non-completion, neither measure was reported by participants as a reason for noncompletion.

The Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Post-Tuberculosis Bronchiectasis

Pulmonary rehabilitation has emerged as a recommended standard of care for patients with chronic lung disease. As in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), persons with other forms of chronic respiratory disease commonly experience deconditioning and decreased quality of life. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the effect of a 4-week pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) on patients diagnosed with post-pulmonary tuberculosis bronchiectasis in the Philippines. The participants were above 18 years of age, diagnosed to have stable Post-Pulmonary tuberculosis bronchiectasis with chest computerized tomography (CT) scan or chest radiograph showing bronchiectatic changes, consented to attend the PRP sessions and be included in the study. The subjects underwent PRP for 4 weeks with a total of 8 sessions and determination of Forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), quality of life determination using the Saint George Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (SGRQ), and exercise endurance using the 6-minute walking test (6 MWT), before and after the PRP. A total of fourteen patients, six males and eight females, aged from 28 - 72 years old, completed the 4-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. There were four ex-smokers and ten non-smokers with concomitant asthma and COPD in some patients. There was significant improvement in the 6-minute walk test and quality of life after 4 weeks of rehabilitation program among the subjects with p value for 6 MWT at p = 0.0001 and p = 0.008 for SGRQ. Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation program led to a significant improvement in exercise capacity and health related quality of life among patients with post-pulmonary tuberculosis bronchiectasis.

Clinical effect of ambroxol hydrochloride combined with rehabilitation training on COPD and its effect on pulmonary function

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of ambroxol hydrochloride combined with rehabilitation training on COPD and its effect on pulmonary function.Methods:92 patients with COPD from May 2017 to may 2019 were randomly divided into control group(n=46)and observation group(n=46).The control group was treated with oxygen inhalation,expectorant,antispasmodic,anti infection and so on.The observation group was treated with ambroxol hydrochloride combined with rehabilitation training on this basis.Blood gas,lung function and inflammatory factors were compared before and after treatment.Results:the levels of SaO2 and PaO2 in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment P There was significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05-0.01).Besides,the level of lung function related indexes in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:ambroxol hydrochloride combined with rehabilitation training has a significant clinical effect on COPD,which can effectively improve the blood gas index and reduce the level of blood gas inflammatory factors,thus affecting the lung function of COPD patients.

Perceived Improvements of Quality of Life (QoL) among Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in Response to a 6-Week Rehabilitation Program

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life expectancy of 05 years following the onset of the disease, with no curative treatments. These patients need palliative care and rehabilitation is one of the methods that can be used to improve quality of life (QoL) among these patients. Yet the research conducted to assess benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in terms of improving physical activity and QoL in IPF patients remains limited. Hence this study aims to evaluate the effect of a bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation programme, on the physical, physiological and psychological parameters and improvements of QoL among IPF patients. Eleven (11) subjects with IPF received 6 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. An interviewer administered quality of life questionnaire, six-minute walking test (6MWT), Incremental bicycle exercise tests were performed, and cardiac and respiratory parameters were assessed pre- and post-rehabilitation. The 6MWT was significantly increased following training (Pre 312.55 ± 89.99;Post, 380.73 ± 59.60). A significant improvement was observed in overall QoL (2.226 ± 0.026), dyspnoea (-0.455 ± 0.004) anxiety (-2.070 ± 0.038), depression (-2.217 ± 0.027) scores. No significant changes were found in the VO2 max and other cardiopulmonary parameters, while non-significant improvement was seen in SpO2 at peak exercise from 85.8 - 86.5. Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation program is beneficial in short term improvement of the functional exercise capacity, dyspnoea and QoL among IPF patients.

Patients’ Experiences and Opinions on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Use of It as a Tool of Palliative Care on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Background: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and life-limiting condition. It has no cure hence it is vital to establish effective methods of improving the quality of remaining life in these patients. One of the key components of improving quality of life is pulmonary rehabilitation. However little research has been conducted to understand the perspectives and lived experience of people with IPF on pulmonary rehabilitation. Hence, we aim to fill this gap in the existing literature. Methods: We sought to understand how patients coped with pulmonary rehabilitation. A patient-centred approach was used to explore the physical and psychological impact of pulmonary rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by experienced academics. Interviews used a topic guide but mostly led by the participants. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyse data, allowing us to identify common themes in the participants’ experiences. Results: Of fifty invited participants, ten took part in the study (aged 53 - 81 years). Inductive analysis of interviews identified seven second-order themes and eleven first-order themes, represented by two General Dimensions: “motivation” and “Advantages and disadvantages”. Overall, participants found the pulmonary rehabilitation programme to be useful and they experienced an increase in their quality of life following rehabilitation.

Advances in clinical research of Chinese and Western medicine pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the common respiratory diseases characterized by restricted airflow, incomplete reversibility, and expiratory dyspnea. It has become a major public health problem worldwide.Through the research of COPD Chinese and Western medicine pulmonary rehabilitation training by domestic and foreign scholars in the past 5 years, it is found that the emphasis on stable lung rehabilitation can delay the further deterioration of lung function in patients with COPD, effectively improve skeletal muscle fiber and structure, improve exercise capacity, improve breathing difficulties, and hope for pulmonary rehabilitation. It is one of the main methods of treatment for patients with COPD.