Power of outcome measurements to detect clinically significant changes in pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COPD

Palliative care education as an integrated component of pulmonary rehabilitation: A real-world mixed-methods feasibility study

AIM

To explore the feasibility of integrating palliative care education in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

METHODS

A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted in people with chronic respiratory diseases enrolled in 12-weeks outpatient hospital-based PR. A session about palliative care was integrated in the education content. Feasibility was assessed by attendance to the palliative care session, feasibility and acceptability of outcome assessment, acceptability of the intervention and undesirable effects. After PR, two focus groups were carried out. Descriptive and inductive thematic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Out of 44 individuals referred to PR, 14 were excluded, six declined to participate and two were referred to another rehabilitation programme. Twenty-two people with chronic respiratory diseases started PR, however, six had discontinued the programme at the time of the palliative care session. Attendance to this session was 81 % (n = 13/16; 11 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 1 severe asthma and 1 interstitial lung disease; 77 % men, 65 ± 9 years-old, FEV1 41 ± 21 % of predicted). Outcome assessment was completed in 77 % (n = 10/13) of participants and lasted approximately 90 minutes. Three themes were identified from the focus groups: daily living with a chronic respiratory disease, meaningful care and demystifying misconceptions. Participants found the intervention and outcome assessment acceptable. An improvement in knowledge and change of attitude towards palliative care was considered a major effect of the palliative care session. No undesirable effects were reported.

DISCUSSION

Integrating an education session about palliative care in PR is feasible, meaningful for people with chronic respiratory diseases, and has no undesirable effects. A randomised controlled study is being prepared to strengthen these results.

Comparison of Clinically Meaningful Improvements After Center-Based and Home-Based Telerehabilitation in People With COPD

BACKGROUND

Response to pulmonary rehabilitation is not equal for all participants and may vary across health outcomes for any one individual. Alternative methods of pulmonary rehabilitation delivery, for example, telerehabilitation, may improve program access, but also could affect response to rehabilitation.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the rate of clinical response to home-based telerehabilitation compared with center-based pulmonary rehabilitation, and are any participant baseline characteristics associated with pulmonary rehabilitation response relative to the model of delivery?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this secondary analysis of 2 randomized controlled trials, participants were categorized as responders or nonresponders according to achievement of the minimal important difference (MID) for each outcome of interest at end rehabilitation and after the 12-month follow-up (change from baseline). Outcomes of interest were functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance; MID, 30 m), health-related quality of life (chronic respiratory disease questionnaire: MID, 2.5, 2, 3.5, and 2 points for the dyspnea, fatigue, emotion, and mastery domains, respectively; CRQ total score MID, 10 points); and symptoms (modified Medical Research Council: MID, -1 point).

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-six individuals with COPD were included in the analysis. The proportion of responders was not different between center-based pulmonary rehabilitation and home-based telerehabilitation at either end rehabilitation or 12-month follow-up for any outcome (range, 39%-62%). In a binary logistic regression analysis, baseline outcome values, but not participant demographic characteristics, were associated most commonly with responder status. The relative risk of program noncompletion in the center-based group was nearly 4 times greater than for telerehabilitation (center-based pulmonary rehabilitation: n = 79 [58%] vs home-based telerehabilitation: n = 116 [90%]; relative risk, 3.89; 95% CI, 2.28-6.63).

INTERPRETATION

In this study, responder status to pulmonary rehabilitation was not different between center-based and home-based telerehabilitation. The ability to identify patient characteristics that confer greater potential for rehabilitation response or better suitability for a particular model of rehabilitation remains a challenge.

A Comparison of GOLD and STAR Severity Stages in Individuals With COPD Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Alongside the recognized Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, the Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) severity scheme has been proposed for categorizing COPD.

STUDY QUESTION

What are the agreement and utility of the GOLD and STAR classifications in patients with severe COPD entering the rehabilitation setting?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Medical records were reviewed in this multicenter retrospective study, examining key functional variables and their changes in a large cohort of patients with COPD undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation.

RESULTS

A total of 1,516 participants (33.7% female participants; median age, 72.0 years) were included in the analysis. Compared with GOLD, the use of the STAR classification resulted in a different disease severity category for 53.4% of patients. An unweighted Cohen's kappa of 0.25 and a Bangdiwala B value of 0.24 indicated a fair agreement between the 2 classifications. Higher weighted agreement measures (0.47 and 0.78, respectively) suggested that discrepancies between the classifications mainly occurred for contiguous stages. GOLD exhibited superior discrimination between stages for chronic respiratory failure, whereas STAR exhibited better performance in detecting hyperinflation. In terms of their application within pulmonary rehabilitation settings, GOLD exhibited superior performance compared with STAR in identifying the minimal clinically important difference in 6-min walking distance and modified Medical Research Council score. Accordingly, GOLD but not STAR acted as an independent predictor for achieving a minimal clinically important difference in modified Medical Research Council score (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12-1.94; P = .005) and also independently predicted changes in the Braden scale score (β = 0.154; P = .004).

INTERPRETATION

STAR exhibited a more uniform gradation of disease severity and enhanced performance in detecting hyperinflation, but our preliminary findings do not endorse its utilization in the rehabilitation setting.

Responders COPD patients to two different home-based rehabilitation programs: a blind, randomized, and controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

To verify the number of patients with COPD responders to two different home-based rehabilitation programs.

METHODS

This was a blinded, randomized, and controlled clinical trial. The six-minute step test (6MST), one-minute sit-stand test (1-MSTST), six-minute walk test (6MWT), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), monitoring of physical activity in daily life, and isometric quadriceps muscle strength were assessed pre- and post-intervention. A total of 50 patients were randomized into two groups: hybrid rehabilitation (HR), consisting of supervised physical exercise once a week associated with exercises at home, and home-based rehabilitation (HBR), which consisted of a single meeting for guidance related to the physical exercises prescribed.

RESULTS

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the following parameters post-intervention and between groups: 6MST (HR = 67.1 ± 25.7 to 93.5 ± 37.2; HBR = 69.6 ± 19.5 to 82.3 ± 25.2 steps), 6MWT (HR = 367.7 ± 84 to 433.2 ± 88.8; HBR = 396.2 ± 97.2 to 418.3 ± 83.8 m), CAT (HR = 19.5 ± 6.8 to 13.0 ± 7.8; HBR = 17.0 ± 7.6 to 15.0 ± 10 points), and mMRC (HR = 2[2-3] to 1[1-2]; HBR = 2[2-3] to 2[1-3] points). However, the response rate was 80% in the HR and 50% in the HBR.

CONCLUSION

Both pulmonary rehabilitation programs improved physical capacity, alleviated dyspnea, and reduced the impact of the disease on health status; however, the number of responders was higher in the HR.

Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention (eMBI) in management of dyspnea in patients with interstitial lung disease: A randomized clinical trial

RATIONALE

Dyspnea and cough are frequent symptoms in ILD patients. The management of these symptoms is challenging, and evidence-based therapies are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of an online Mindfulness-Based Intervention (eMBI) on reducing dyspnea in patients affected by different ILDs.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, open-label, controlled trial that included patients ≥18 years and a modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale score of ≥ 1. Patients were randomized into either the eMBI or the control group (CG) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the dyspnea mMRC scale. The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD) questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were performed before and after the eight weeks. All analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. The study was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC), RBR-3s4mf9y.

RESULTS

24 patients in the eMBI and 25 in the CG completed the intervention. In the eMBI group, compared to the control group, there was a greater proportion of patients with a reduction in dyspnea according to the mMRC scale score (48.9 % versus, 15.4 %, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in the LCQ (p = 0.666), or in the K-BILD (p = 0.108), depression (p = 0.08), or anxiety (p = 0.869 or stress (p = 0.789). No moderate or severe adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Eight weeks eMBI is a potentially viable and safe approach, that can help manage dyspnea in ILD patients.

Long-term follow-up of the treatment for severe COVID-19 with qigong exercise and acupressure: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Most clinical trials have reported significant short-term effects of traditional medicine therapies on COVID-19 patients. However, there is no clinical trial to determine the long-term effects of traditional medicine therapies on severe COVID-19 patients.

Methods

A total of 128 patients with severe COVID-19, who were recruited in our previous clinical trial following hospital discharge, were monitored at months 14 and 28. This trial aims to evaluate the long-term effect of an early Qigong exercise and acupressure rehabilitation program on patients with severe COVID-19.The intervention group received qigong exercise and acupressure therapy, plus standard therapies. The control group received standard therapies.The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, prospective follow-up study. The outcomes of the study included changes in the modified Borg dyspnea scale (MBS), the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), the patient health questionnaire-9 scale (PHQ-9), the activity of daily living (ADL), the remaining clinical symptoms and any intervention related adverse events.

Results

The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the mMRC scores (-0.4, 95 % CI (-0.6, 0.2), P < 0.001) and the MBS scores (-0.6, 95 % CI (-0.9, -0.3), P < 0.001) after 14 months of discharge compared with the control group. At 28 months of discharge, the intervention group, compared with the control group alone, significantly increased their MBS scores (-0.4, 95 % CI (-0.7, -0.1), P = 0.024) and a significantly decreased positive rate of dyspnea symptoms after 14 months of discharge (P < 0.05). However, ADL and PHQ-9 scores showed no significant difference between the two groups during the follow-up (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

QARP had long-term sustained efficacy for dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough in patients with COVID-19, especially in young and middle-aged patients, and the effect was significant at the 14th month of follow-up.

Trial registration

This trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100044572).

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nurse-Led Brief Behavioral Intervention for Dyspnea in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

In patients with lung cancer, dyspnea is one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms, for which effective treatments are lacking. We examined the efficacy of a nurse-led brief behavioral intervention to improve dyspnea in patients with advanced lung cancer.

METHODS

Patients with advanced lung cancer reporting at least moderate breathlessness (n = 247) were enrolled in a randomized trial of a nurse-led two-session intervention (focused on breathing techniques, postural positions, and fan therapy) versus usual care. At baseline and weeks 8 (primary end point), 16, and 24, participants completed measures of dyspnea (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale [mMRCDS]; Cancer Dyspnoea Scale [CDS]), quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung [FACT-L]), psychological symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and activity level (Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire). To examine intervention effects, we conducted analysis of covariance and longitudinal mixed effects models.

RESULTS

The sample (Agemean = 66.15 years; 55.9% female) primarily included patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (85.4%). Compared with usual care, the intervention improved the primary outcome of patient-reported dyspnea on the mMRCDS (difference = -0.33 [95% CI, -0.61 to -0.05]) but not the CDS total score at 8 weeks. Intervention patients also reported less dyspnea on the CDS sense of discomfort subscale (difference = -0.59 [95% CI, -1.16 to -0.01]) and better functional well-being per the FACT-L (difference = 1.39 [95% CI, 0.18 to 2.59]) versus the control group. Study groups did not differ in overall quality of life, psychological symptoms, or activity level at 8 weeks or longitudinally over 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

For patients with advanced lung cancer, a scalable behavioral intervention alleviated the intractable symptom of dyspnea. Further research is needed on ways to enhance intervention effects over the long-term and across additional outcomes.

Breathing techniques to reduce symptoms in people with serious respiratory illness: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

In adults with serious respiratory illness, breathlessness is prevalent and associated with reduced health-related quality of life. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of breathing techniques on breathlessness in adults with serious respiratory illness.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials testing breathing techniques (techniques that aim to alter the respiratory pattern, excluding respiratory muscle training) in people with serious respiratory illness. The primary outcome was breathlessness and secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life and adverse events. Two authors independently screened for inclusion, evaluated risk of bias and extracted data.

RESULTS

73 randomised controlled trials were included with 5479 participants, most with COPD or asthma. Breathing exercises (pursed lip and/or diaphragmatic breathing) reduced breathlessness measured by the modified Medical Research Council scale compared to usual care (mean difference (MD) -0.40 points, 95% CI -0.70- -0.11, eight studies, n=323), although the effect did not exceed the minimal important difference. Yoga breathing also improved modified Medical Research Council score compared to usual care (MD -1.05 points, 95% CI -2.45-0.35, three studies, n=175). Breathing techniques consistently improved health-related quality of life in people with COPD and asthma on multiple health-related quality of life measures in comparison to usual care, with effects that generally exceeded the minimal important difference. No adverse events related to breathing techniques were reported.

CONCLUSION

Breathing techniques may improve breathlessness, and consistently improve health-related quality of life, in people with serious respiratory illness. These findings support the use of breathing exercises in the care of people with serious respiratory illness.

Airway Stents for Excessive Central Airway Collapse: A Randomized Controlled Open-label Trial

BACKGROUND

Short-term airway stent placement (stent evaluation) has been employed to evaluate whether patients with excessive central airway collapse (ECAC) will benefit from tracheobronchoplasty. Although retrospective studies have explored the impact of stent placement on ECAC, prospective randomized controlled trials are absent.

METHODS

This was a randomized open-label trial comparing patients receiving airway stent placement and standard medical treatment (intervention group) versus standard medical treatment alone (control group) for ECAC. At baseline, patients' respiratory symptoms, self-reported measures, and functional capabilities were assessed. Follow-up evaluations occurred 7 to 14 days postintervention, with an option for the control group to crossover to stent placement. Follow-up evaluations were repeated in the crossover patients.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 17 patients in the control group [medical management (MM)] and 14 patients in the intervention group. At follow-up, 15 patients in the MM crossed over to the stent group, resulting in a total of 29 patients in the combined stent group (CSG). Subjectively (shortness of breath and cough), 45% of the CSG exhibited improvement with the intervention compared with just 12% in the MM. The modified St. George Respiratory Questionnaire score in the CSG improved significantly from 61.2 at baseline to 52.5 after stent placement (-8.7, P = 0.04). With intervention, the 6-minute walk test in CSG improved significantly from 364 meters to 398 meters (34 m, P < 0.01). The MM did not show a significant change in the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire score or 6-minute walk test distance.

CONCLUSION

Short-term airway stent placement in patients with ECAC significantly improves respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and exercise capacity.

[Effects of gender on pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes in patients with COPD]

INTRODUCTION

COPD has become more prevalent among women, revealing a specific feminine phenotype. Women experience greater dyspnea and a more impaired quality of life. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of gender on dyspnea during a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP).

METHODS

Retrospective study including COPD patients having participated in PRPs. The following data were analyzed according to gender before and after a PRP: dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety and depression, exercise capacity, muscle function (quadriceps and inspiratory muscles).

RESULTS

More than 500 patients (252 men and 252 women) were included. We did not find a significant effect of gender on the evolution of dyspnea, anxiety or depressive disorders, exercise capacity, inspiratory muscle strength, or overall quality of life score. That said, we found a possible effect on the sub-scores of the quality of life questionnaire, and regarding quadriceps strength. All criteria improved during the program in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

During a PRP, gender does not impact the evolution of dyspnea. While women may nonetheless benefit to a greater extent in terms of quality of life sub-scores (impact, activities, symptoms) and quadriceps strength, these results still require confirmation.

European Respiratory Society clinical practice guideline on symptom management for adults with serious respiratory illness

Respiratory symptoms are ubiquitous and impair health-related quality of life in people with respiratory disease. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force aimed to provide recommendations for symptomatic treatment in people with serious respiratory illness. The ERS task force comprised 16 members, including representatives of people with serious respiratory illness and informal caregivers. Seven questions were formulated, six in the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format, which were addressed with full systematic reviews and evidence assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). One question was addressed narratively. An "evidence-to-decision" framework was used to formulate recommendations. To treat symptoms in people with serious respiratory illness, the task force suggests the use of graded exercise therapy (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence); and suggests the use of a multicomponent services, handheld fan and breathing techniques (conditional recommendations, very low certainty of evidence). The task force suggests not to use opioids (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence); and suggests either administering or not administering supplemental oxygen therapy (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). The task force suggests that needs assessment tools may be used as part of a comprehensive needs assessment, but do not replace patient-centred care and shared decision making (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). The low certainty of evidence, modest impact of interventions on patient-centred outcomes, and absence of effective strategies to ameliorate cough highlight the need for new approaches to reduce symptoms and enhance wellbeing for individuals who live with serious respiratory illness.

Evaluation of physical activity before and after respiratory rehabilitation in normal weight individuals with asthma: a feasibility study

Background

Individuals with asthma spend less time engaging in physical activity compared to the general population. Increasing physical activity has become a patient-centered goal for the treatment of treatable traits of individuals with asthma. There are data showing the possible effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on physical activity in obese individuals with asthma but not in normal-weight asthmatics. The objective of this feasibility study is to estimate the number of daily steps and time spent on activity in normal-weight individuals with asthma, measured before and after a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Methods

Normal-weight individuals with moderate to severe asthma were evaluated. The individuals measured their daily steps with an accelerometer for 5 days before and after a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05486689.

Results

In total, 17 participants were enrolled; one dropout and data on the time in activity of two individuals are missing due to a software error during the download. Data from 16 patients were analyzed. The median number of steps/day at baseline was 5,578 (25th, 75th percentiles = 4,874, 9,685) while the median activity time was 214 min (25th, 75th percentiles = 165, 239). After the rehabilitation program, the number of daily steps increased by a median value of 472 (p-value = 0.561) and the time in activity reduced by 17 min (p-value = 0.357). We also found a significant difference in quality of life, muscle strength, and exercise capacity.

Conclusions

The results of this study make it possible to calculate the sample size of future studies whose main outcome is daily steps in normal-weight individuals with asthma. The difficulties encountered in downloading time in activity data do not allow the same for this outcome.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05486689.

Preoperative Workup of Patients With Excessive Central Airway Collapse: Does Stent Evaluation Serve a Role?

BACKGROUND

Tracheobronchoplasty (TBP) is a definitive anatomic intervention for patients with severe symptomatic expiratory central airway collapse. Although stent evaluations have been described for surgical workup, current literature does not address if improvement during stent evaluation is sustained after TBP. We compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional status responses after airway stenting to those post-TBP.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in patients with severe expiratory central airway collapse who underwent stent evaluation followed by TBP from January 2004 to December 2019. Baseline, poststent, 3- and 12-month postoperative HRQOL scores, and functional status were analyzed with statistical tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients underwent a stent evaluation and TBP. Baseline and stent evaluation measurements were compared with statistically and clinically significant differences in the Cough Quality-of-life Questionnaire (CQLQ) (55 vs. 68, P <0.01), Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) 0 to 2 (90% vs. 47%, P <0.01), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (1301 ft vs. 1138 ft, P <0.01). Improvements in the HRQOL and functional status were maintained from stent evaluation to 3 months postoperatively [CQLQ 55 vs. 54, P =0.63; mMRC 0 to 2 (87% vs. 84%), P =0.39; 6MWT 1350 ft vs. 1314 ft, P =0.33], and 12 months postoperatively [CQLQ 54 vs. 54, P =0.91; mMRC 0 to 2 (95% vs. 86%), P =0.74; 6MWT 1409 ft vs. 1328 ft, P =0.13]. The magnitude of change between the data was not significantly different between the stent evaluation, 3-, and 12 months postoperative. Predicted forced expiratory volume in 1-second measurements at baseline, after stent placement, 3 months, and 12 months post-TBP were 74%, 79%, 73%, and 73%, respectively, and not clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement after stent evaluation and the magnitude of improvement may be predictive of postoperative outcomes up to 1 year after surgery.

Integrating palliative care education in pulmonary rehabilitation: a randomized controlled study protocol

BACKGROUND

Palliative care addresses multiple unmet needs of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and their family and/or friend caregivers, but it remains highly underused. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) may provide a key opportunity to introduce palliative care. We aim to explore the effects of palliative care education as part of PR on knowledge about this field in people with COPD or ILD and their family and/or friend caregivers.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study will compare PR with palliative care education (experimental) with traditional PR (control) in people with COPD or ILD and their family and/or friend caregivers. Family and/or friend caregivers will be invited to take part in education and psychosocial support sessions. In addition to the usual educational content, the experimental group will have a session on palliative care, a "Peer-to-peer session", two "Get-apart sessions" and online sessions. The "Peer-to-peer session" and the "Get-apart sessions" will be discussions about topics suggested by participants. The "Get-apart sessions" will be dedicated to people with COPD or ILD apart from their family and/or friend caregivers and vice versa. The online sessions will be zoom meetings to discuss any health-related issues raised by participants, at a flexible time. A mixed-methods approach will be used to evaluate the outcomes. The primary outcome will be knowledge about palliative care. Secondary outcomes will include attitude towards palliative care referral, symptoms, disease impact, health-related quality of life, needs, knowledge about the disease, burden of providing care, adherence, adverse events and referral to a specialist palliative care team. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected at baseline and end of PR. At 6-months post-PR, only patient-reported outcomes will be collected. For the primary outcome, time*group interaction will be analyzed with mixed analysis of variance.

DISCUSSION

This study aims to demonstrate the impact of integrating palliative care into the PR education program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov U.S. National Library of Medicine, on 1st September, 2023 (NCT06046547).

Pulmonary rehabilitation and risk of fall in elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Few data are available on the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on risk of fall in over 80 individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We investigated the effectiveness of PR on the risk of fall in older as compared to younger than 80 individuals.

METHODS

Parallel-group retrospective exploratory study of individuals undergone in-hospital PR. The risk of fall was defined as a gait speed ≤0.8 m/s (primary outcome). Outcome measures (exercise capacity, physical performance, symptoms, and health status) were also assessed.

RESULTS

As compared to younger, individuals over 80 suffered from more severe symptoms, a reduction in physical performance and in exercise capacity and greater risk of fall (P=0.0001). The proportion of participants at risk of fall increased with age, and after PR decreased significantly without any significant difference between age groups. However, 53.4% of older individuals were still at risk of fall, as compared to 17.5% of those under 80 (P=0.0001). After PR, both populations had improved outcomes measures, without any significant between group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with COPD pulmonary rehabilitation reduced the risk of fall, while improving outcome measures independent of age, however, more than 50% of those over 80 were still at risk of fall. The pulmonary rehabilitation programs for individuals over 80 should include strategies effective in reducing the risk of fall.

Predicting Response to In-Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Individuals Recovering From Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Predicting the response to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) could be valuable in defining admission priorities. We aimed to investigate whether the response of individuals recovering from a COPD exacerbation (ECOPD) could be forecasted using machine learning approaches.

METHOD

This multicenter, retrospective study recorded data on anthropometrics, demographics, physiological characteristics, post-PR changes in six-minute walking distance test (6MWT), Medical Research Council scale for dyspnea (MRC), Barthel Index dyspnea (BId), COPD assessment test (CAT) and proportion of participants reaching the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). The ability of multivariate approaches (linear regression, quantile regression, regression trees, and conditional inference trees) in predicting changes in each outcome measure has been assessed.

RESULTS

Individuals with lower baseline 6MWT, as well as those with less severe airway obstruction or admitted from acute care hospitals, exhibited greater improvements in 6MWT, whereas older as well as more dyspnoeic individuals had a lower forecasted improvement. Individuals with more severe CAT and dyspnea, and lower 6MWT had a greater potential improvement in CAT. More dyspnoeic individuals were also more likely to show improvement in BId and MRC. The Mean Absolute Error estimates of change prediction were 44.70m, 3.22 points, 5.35 points, and 0.32 points for 6MWT, CAT, BId, and MRC respectively. Sensitivity and specificity in discriminating individuals reaching the MCID of outcomes ranged from 61.78% to 98.99% and from 14.00% to 71.20%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

While the assessed models were not entirely satisfactory, predictive equations derived from clinical practice data might help in forecasting the response to PR in individuals recovering from an ECOPD. Future larger studies will be essential to confirm the methodology, variables, and utility.

Safety and Efficacy of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Long COVID Patients Experiencing Long-Lasting Symptoms

Due to the high prevalence and persistence of long COVID, it is important to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients who experience long-lasting symptoms more than six months after initial COVID-19 onset. Enrolled patients were admitted for a four-week in-patient-PR due to long COVID symptoms (n = 47). The safety of PR was confirmed by the absence of adverse events. Symptom-related outcomes were evaluated pre- and post-PR with significant score changes for: 6 min walking distance (61 [28 to 103] m), quality of life (mental Short Form-12: 10 [6 to 13], and physical: 9 [6 to 12]), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (1 [0 to 3]), fatigue (MFI-20: -19 [-28 to -8]), dyspnea (DYSPNEA-12: -7 [-9 to -2] and mMRC; -1 [-1 to 0]), Nijmegen questionnaire (-8 [-11 to -5]), anxiety and depression (HADS:-4 [-5 to -2] and -2 [-4 to -1], respectively) and posttraumatic stress disorder checklist scale (-8 [-12 to -4]). At the individual level, the percentage of symptomatic patients for each outcome decreased, with a high response rate, and the number of persistent symptoms per patient was reduced from six at PR initiation to three at the end of the program. Our results show that in-PR is safe and efficient at decreasing long-lasting symptoms experienced by long COVID patients at more than six months after initial disease onset.

Correlation Between Diaphragmatic Excursion and Exercise Tolerance Improvement Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overlap Syndrome

Purpose

We assess the predictive value of diaphragm excursion (DE) in enhancing exercise tolerance following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among patients with COPD-OSA overlap syndrome.

Material and Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled 63 patients diagnosed with COPD-OSA overlap syndrome who actively participated in a PR program from January 2021 to May 2023. Among these, 58 patients successfully completed the 20-week PR program, with exercise tolerance assessed through the measurement of six-minute walk distance (6MWD), and DE evaluated by ultrasonography. The responder to PR in terms of exercise ability was defined as a patient who showed an increase of >30m in 6MWD. The cutoff value for predicting PR response based on DE was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Following the PR program, significant improvements were observed in mMRC, 6MWD, DE during deep breathing, and diaphragm thickness fraction (DTF). Of the participants, 33 patients (57%) were classified as responders, while 25 patients (43%) were considered non-responders. Baseline values of FEV1% predicted, 6MWD, DE during deep breathing, DTF, and PaO2 exhibited a significant elevation in responders as compared to non-responders. The changes of 6MWD were positively associated with the baseline values of DTF and DE during deep breathing, FEV1% predicted and PaO2, while negatively correlated with baseline value of mMRC. The predictive performance in terms of the area under the ROC curve for determining responder's DTF was found to be 0.769, accompanied by a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 68%, using a cutoff value at 17.26%. Moreover, it was observed that DE during deep breathing could predict the area under the ROC curve for responders to be 0.753, with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 56% at a cutoff value of 3.61cm.

Conclusion

Diaphragm excursion serves as a valuable predictor for determining the enhancement of exercise tolerance following PR in patients with COPD-OSA overlap syndrome.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR1800020257, www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

The one-minute sit-to-stand test: A practical tool for assessing functional exercise capacity in patients with COPD in routine clinical practice

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a reduced exercise capacity. Although several field tests for exercise capacity have been modified for non-standard settings, i.e. outside the hospital clinic or pulmonary rehabilitation center, their uptake remains limited. Objectives: To assess the test-retest reliability, constuct validity and responsiveness of the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1'STST) adopted in clinical practice among patients with COPD and to confirm the earlier established minimal important difference (MID) of three repetitions. Methods: Patients with COPD performed two 1'STSTs, two 6-minute walk tests (6MWT), an isometric quadriceps force (QF) measurement, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a seven-day physical activity (PA) measurement before and after three months of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). An Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) evaluated the agreement between two 1'STSTs. Pearson Correlation examined the association between the 1'STST and other physical measurements, and their changes following PR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed using a 30-meter increment in the 6MWT as cut-off to identify responders. Results: The 1'STST demonstrated good reliability (Δ0.9 ± 4.0 repetitions, p = .13; ICC = 0.79). The 1'STST was moderately correlated with the 6MWT (r = 0.57, p < .0001), VO2max (r = 0.50, p = .0006) and maximal work rate (r = 0.52, p = .0003). Weak correlations were observed with QF (r = 0.33, p = .03) and step count (r = 0.38, p = .013). The 1'STST improved after PR (∆ = 3.6 ± 6.4 repetitions, p = .0013) and changes correlated moderately with changes in the 6MWT (r = 0.57, p = .002), QF (r = 0.48, p = .003) and VO2max (r = 0.41, p = .014). A cut-off of three repetitions demonstrated a 71% accuracy in identifying responders to a rehabilitation program. Conclusion: The 1'STST is a valuable alternative to evaluate exercise capacity in patients with COPD when more expensive and time-consuming tests are unavailable.

Relevance of multidimensional dyspnea assessment in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation

Objectives: While dyspnea is the main symptom in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is often inadequately evaluated in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), as it is typically measured using only the impact dimension (ID). However, dyspnea is a multidimensional construct including perception (PD) and emotional (ED) domains. Our work aimed to study the complementarity of dyspnea dimensions and their respective ability to identify different evolutions during PR. Methods: 145 people with COPD attending PR were included in this retrospective study. Dyspnea scores from the modified Medical Research Council scale (ID) and the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile questionnaire (PD/ED), exercise capacity, quality of life at the start (T1) and the end of PR (T2) were collected from existing databases/medical files. The evolution of each dyspnea dimension was evaluated using the delta score between T2-T1. PR response was defined using the minimal clinically important difference. Results: Our results show that each dyspnea dimension was associated with different health-outcomes. Positive correlations were found between PD-ED at baseline and between their T2-T1 delta score (ρ = 0.51; ρ = 0.41 respectively, p < .01), but there was no significant correlation between ID-PD or -ED (p > .05). 51% of the patients did not respond on ID, but 85% of them nonetheless responded on either PD or ED. Finally, 92% of patients responded on at least one dimension after PR. Discussion: Our study emphasizes the significance of assessing each dimension of dyspnea independently and complementary, as dimensions are associated with different elements and evolve differently under PR effects. This approach is crucial to identifying weak points and allows professionals to focus on program elements that most effectively address the specific dimension causing problems.

Association between cognitive decline and activities of daily living decline in patients undergoing long-term oxygen therapy: a prospective observational pilot study

PURPOSE

Patients undergoing long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) are predisposed to progressive cognitive decline; however, the association between cognitive decline progression and activities of daily living (ADL) decline has not been described. We aimed to describe the association between cognitive decline progression and ADL decline in patients undergoing LTOT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective observational pilot study, data were collected at baseline and 1-year following the ambulatory recruitment of patients in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the National Hospital Organization Nishiniigata Chuo Hospital. We recruited 96 patients with chronic respiratory disease undergoing LTOT, and 55 patients who completed a 1-year follow-up were finally included.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Montreal Cognitive Assessment score reduction (a measure of cognitive decline) was associated with Barthel index score reduction (a measure of ADL) at 1-year follow-up (odds ratio: 3.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.16 - 13.69; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

A progression of cognitive decline in patients undergoing LTOT may affect ADL decline. An early detection of cognitive decline in patients undergoing LTOT is essential for ADL maintenance in rehabilitation practice.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPatients undergoing long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) present with progressive cognitive decline.Cognitive decline progression is associated with a decline in activities of daily living in patients undergoing LTOT.A periodic cognitive assessment is important in rehabilitation practice for the early detection of progressive cognitive decline in patients undergoing LTOT.

Dyspnea-induced Limitation (DYSLIM), a new self-administered concise questionnaire to evaluate dyspnea-related activity limitation in chronic respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Few questionnaires are available for routine assessment of dyspnea. The study aimed to design a self-administered questionnaire assessing the impact of chronic dyspnea on daily activities, named DYSLIM (Dyspnea-induced Limitation).

METHODS

The development followed 4 steps: 1: selection of relevant activities and related questions (focus groups); 2: clinical study: internal and concurrent validity vs. modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ); 3: item reduction; 4: responsiveness. Eighteen activities (from eating to climbing stairs) were considered with 5 modalities for each: doing the task slowly, taking breaks, seeking assistance, changing habits, and activity avoidance. Each modality was graded from 5 (never) to 1 (very often). Validation study included 194 patients: COPD (FEV1 ≥ 50% pred: n = 40; FEV1 < 50% pred: n = 65); cystic fibrosis (n = 30), interstitial lung disease (n = 30), pulmonary hypertension (n = 29). Responsiveness was evaluated by post-pulmonary rehabilitation data in 52 COPD patients.

RESULTS

Acceptability was high and short term (7 days) reproducibility was satisfactory (Kappa mostly above 0.7). Concurrent validity was high vs. mMRC (Spearman correlation coefficient, r = 0.71), BDI (r = - 0.75) and SGRQ (r = - 0.79). The reduced questionnaire with 8 activities (from cleaning to climbing stairs) and 3 modalities (slowly, seeking help, changing habits) showed a comparable validity and was chosen as the final short version. Effect size of rehabilitation was good for both the full (0.57) and short (0.51) versions. A significant correlation was also found between changes of SGRQ and DYSLIM post rehabilitation: r = - 0.68 and r = - 0.60 for full and reduced questionnaires, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The DYSLIM questionnaire appears promising for the evaluation of dyspnea-induced limitations in chronic respiratory diseases and seems suitable for use in various contexts.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Adults with Chronic Respiratory Disease: An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Background: Despite the known benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with chronic respiratory disease, this treatment is underused. Evidence-based guidelines should lead to greater knowledge of the proven benefits of PR, highlight the role of PR in evidence-based health care, and in turn foster referrals to and more effective delivery of PR for people with chronic respiratory disease. Methods: The multidisciplinary panel formulated six research questions addressing PR for specific patient groups (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension) and models for PR delivery (telerehabilitation, maintenance PR). Treatment effects were quantified using systematic reviews. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to formulate clinical recommendations. Recommendations: The panel made the following judgments: strong recommendations for PR for adults with stable COPD (moderate-quality evidence) and after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation (moderate-quality evidence), strong recommendation for PR for adults with interstitial lung disease (moderate-quality evidence), conditional recommendation for PR for adults with pulmonary hypertension (low-quality evidence), strong recommendation for offering the choice of center-based PR or telerehabilitation for patients with chronic respiratory disease (moderate-quality evidence), and conditional recommendation for offering either supervised maintenance PR or usual care after initial PR for adults with COPD (low-quality evidence). Conclusions: These guidelines provide the basis for evidence-based delivery of PR for people with chronic respiratory disease.

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves sleep efficiency measured by actigraphy in poorly sleeping COPD patients

Chronic insomnia is reported by up to 50% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This may be attributable to several factors including nocturnal dyspnea, reduced physical activity, and less time outside. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in COPD to improve both physical and psychological conditioning. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PR on sleep efficiency (SE, measured by actigraphy) in COPD patients. COPD eligible for PR were prospectively included. Baseline and post PR (30 sessions) assessments included incremental and maximal exercise testing, 6-min walking distance test (6MWT), actigraphy, and questionnaires [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety Depression scale, St George Respiratory, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale]. Sixty-one patients were included, and 31 patients completed the study protocol (68% of males, age 63 ± 9 y, FEV1 44.2 ± 12.3%). After PR, SE remained unchanged, p = 0.07, as well as PSQI score (p = 0.22), despite improvements in exercise capacity (incremental exercise test, 6MWT) and dyspnea. However, SE improved significantly in the poor sleeper subgroup (SE < 85%, n = 24, p = 0.02), whereas the PSQI remained unchanged. The present study shows, in COPD patients included in a PR program, that improvement in exercise capacity was disappointingly not associated with a better SE assessed by actigraphy. Subjective sleep quality was also unchanged at the end of PR program. However, SE improved significantly in the poor sleeper subgroup (SE < 85%). Further studies are required to better characterize the origin of sleep disturbances in COPD and the potential benefit of some (non-)pharmacologic interventions.

Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on COPD Assessment Test Items in Individuals Classified as GOLD Group E

BACKGROUND

A new Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification has been proposed, based also on COPD Assessment Test (CAT).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this large, multicenter, retrospective study was to determine the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on CAT items in individuals with COPD, GOLD group E, recovering from an exacerbation (ECOPD). As secondary aims, we evaluated whether gender, associated chronic respiratory failure (CRF), and age might influence results.

METHODS

Data of 2,213 individuals with available paired pre- and post-PR CAT were analyzed. Other common outcome measures were also assessed.

RESULTS

After PR, total CAT improved from 20.8 ± 7.8 to 12.4 ± 6.9 (p = 0.000), and 1,911 individuals (86.4%) reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). All CAT items improved significantly without any significant difference among them. However, item "confidence with disease" improved significantly more in males than in females (p = 0.009). Total CAT and six out of eight items improved significantly more in individuals with CRF than in those without (all p < 0.001). Total CAT and three items improved significantly more in younger than in older individuals (p = 0.023). Only presence of CRF was significantly associated with the probability of improving total CAT more than the MCID.

CONCLUSION

In individuals with COPD, GOLD group E, recovering from ECOPD, PR improves all CAT items; however, gender, associated CRF and age may influence the effect size, suggesting the need to evaluate all items in addition to total CAT score.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Using Minimal Equipment for People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that use minimal equipment for exercise training, rather than gymnasium equipment, would enable delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation to a greater number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effectiveness of minimal equipment programs in people with COPD is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation using minimal equipment for aerobic and/or resistance training in people with COPD.

METHODS

Literature databases were searched up to September 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of minimal equipment programs with usual care or with exercise equipment-based programs for exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and strength.

RESULTS

Nineteen RCTs were included in the review and 14 RCTs were included in the meta-analyses, which reported low to moderate certainty of evidence. Compared with usual care, minimal equipment programs increased 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) by 85 m (95% CI = 37 to 132 m). No difference in 6MWD was observed between minimal equipment and exercise equipment-based programs (14 m, 95% CI = -27 to 56 m). Minimal equipment programs were more effective than usual care for improving HRQoL (standardized mean difference = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.31 to 1.67) and were not different from exercise equipment-based programs for improving upper limb strength (6 N, 95% CI = -2 to 13 N) or lower limb strength (20 N, 95% CI = -30 to 71 N).

CONCLUSION

In people with COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation programs using minimal equipment elicit clinically significant improvements in 6MWD and HRQoL and are comparable with exercise equipment-based programs for improving 6MWD and strength.

IMPACT

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs using minimal equipment may be a suitable alternative in settings where access to gymnasium equipment is limited. Delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation programs using minimal equipment may improve access to pulmonary rehabilitation worldwide, particularly in rural and remote areas and in developing countries.

[The role of the physiotherapist in the assessment and management of dyspnea]

The role of the physiotherapist in the assessment and management of dyspnea. Dyspnea is the most common symptom in cardio-respiratory diseases. Recently improved comprehension of dyspnea mechanisms have underlined the need for three-faceted assessment. The three key aspects correspond to the "breathing, thinking, functioning" clinical model, which proposes a multidimensional - respiratory, emotional and functional - approach. Before initiating treatment, it is essential for several reasons to assess each specific case, determining the type of dyspnea affecting the patient, appraising the impact of shortness of breath, and estimating the effectiveness of the treatment applied. The physiotherapist has a major role to assume in the care of dyspneic patients, not only in assessment followed by treatment but also as a major collaborator in a multidisciplinary team, especially with regard to pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of this review is to inventory the existing assessment tools and the possible physiotherapies for dyspnea, using a holistic approach designed to facilitate the choice of techniques and to improve quality of care by fully addressing the patient's needs.

Clusters of individuals recovering from an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and response to in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Due to the present low availability of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for individuals recovering from a COPD exacerbation (ECOPD), we need admission priority criteria. We tested the hypothesis that these individuals might be clustered according to baseline characteristics to identify subpopulations with different responses to PR.

METHODS

Multicentric retrospective analysis of individuals undergone in-hospital PR. Baseline characteristics and outcome measures (six-minute walking test - 6MWT, Medical Research Council scale for dyspnoea -MRC, COPD assessment test -CAT) were used for clustering analysis.

RESULTS

Data analysis of 1159 individuals showed that after program, the proportion of individuals reaching the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 85.0%, 86.3%, and 65.6% for CAT, MRC, and 6MWT respectively. Three clusters were found (C1-severe: 10.9%; C2-intermediate: 74.4%; C3-mild: 14.7% of cases respectively). Cluster C1-severe showed the worst conditions with the largest post PR improvements in outcome measures; C3-mild showed the least severe baseline conditions, but the smallest improvements. The proportion of participants reaching the MCID in ALL three outcome measures was significantly different among clusters, with C1-severe having the highest proportion of full success (69.0%) as compared to C2-intermediate (48.3%) and C3-mild (37.4%). Participants in C2-intermediate and C1-severe had 1.7- and 4.6-fold increases in the probability to reach the MCID in all three outcomes as compared to those in C3-mild (OR = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.2 - 2.49, p = 0.0035 and OR = 4.57, 95% CI = 2.68 - 7.91, p < 0.0001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Clustering analysis can identify subpopulations of individuals recovering from ECOPD associated with different responses to PR. Our results may help in defining priority criteria based on the probability of success of PR.

Airflow grades, outcome measures and response to pulmonary rehabilitation in individuals after an exacerbation of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Individuals with COPD may be staged according to symptoms and exacerbation history (GOLD groups: A-D) and on airflow obstruction (GOLD grades: 1-4). Guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for these individuals, including those recovering from an exacerbation (ECOPD) OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether in individuals with clinically severe COPD, recovering from an ECOPD, the effect size of an in-hospital PR program would be affected by airflow severity grades and assessed outcome measures.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicentre study. Participants were compared according to different GOLD airflow grades. In addition to the MRC dyspnoea scale, six-minute walking distance test and COPD assessment test (CAT), Barthel dyspnoea index (Bid), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed, evaluating the proportion of individuals reaching the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) (responders).

RESULTS

Data of 479 individuals, completing the program were evaluated. Most of the participants were allocated in GOLD grades 4, (57.6%) and 3 (22.1%). All outcome measures significantly improved after PR (p < 0.05), without any significant difference in the proportion of responders in any measure.

CONCLUSIONS

in individuals with severe COPD, recovering from ECOPD the success rate of PR does not depend on airflow severity, or outcome measure assessed. In addition to the most used outcome measures, also Bid and SPPB are sensitive to PR.

The presence of extra-pulmonary treatable traits increases the likelihood of responding to pulmonary rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION

Studies suggest that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are worse at baseline respond better to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Identifying treatable traits (TTs) may help to distinguish responders from non-responders. We explored the impact of PR on extra-pulmonary traits of people with COPD and whether the presence of TT influences the type of response to PR.

METHODS

A comprehensive assessment of 9 TT including symptoms (dyspnoea, fatigue, anxiety and depression), functional capacity, deconditioning, balance, impact of the disease and health-related quality of life was conducted before and after a 12-week community-based PR programme. Pre-post differences between people with or without each TT at baseline were compared with independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Proportion of responders between groups were explored with chi-square tests and odds ratio.

RESULTS

102 people with COPD were included (70 [65; 75] years old, 78% male, FEV₁ 47 [36; 60] %predicted). They had a median of 3 (out of 9) TTs per person and each patient responded on average to 5 (out of 9) outcomes of PR. People with TT were more responsive than those without them in all outcomes (p < 0.05) except for the 1-min sit-to-stand test. The presence of TT increased 4 to 20 times the likelihood of being a good responder.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of baseline extra-pulmonary TT in people with COPD showed the potential to inform on PR responsiveness and might therefore be an important strategy for patient prioritization, treatment personalisation (i.e., activation of the most suitable components) and optimisation.

Effectiveness and Safety of Multicomponent Physical Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Currently, most Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) programs work with conventional physical training, using resources that are not available in public health in Brazil. Multicomponent physical training is a strategy that uses few resources and can reach a larger portion of the population.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of multicomponent physical training on physical-functional performance in patients with COPD.

Design

Protocol for a randomized clinical trial with 2 groups in parallel (1:1).

Setting

University-based, outpatient, physiotherapy clinic.

Participants

64 patients aged ⩾50 years, clinical-functional diagnosis of COPD, GOLD II and III criteria will participate in the study.

Intervention

Participants will be randomly allocated into 2 groups: Multicomponent Physical Training-MPT (n = 32): aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises performed in a circuit training format, or Conventional Physical Training-CPT (n = 32): aerobic and strength training. The interventions will be carried out twice a week, for 8 weeks and supervised by the same physiotherapist.

Measurements

The 3 primary outcomes are the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the 6-Minute Step Test (6MST) and VO₂ consumption as measured during the 6MWT. Secondary outcomes will be exercise capacity, level of physical activity in daily life, peripheral muscle strength, functional status, dyspnea, fatigue and quality of life. Safety will be assessed by recording adverse effects. These outcomes will be evaluated before and after the intervention and the evaluator will be blind.

Limitations

It will not be possible to perform the blinding of the physiotherapist who will supervise the interventions.

Conclusions

This study is expected to demonstrate that MPT using simple resources is an effective and safe intervention for the improvement of the aforementioned outcomes and, in addition, to broaden the horizon of research in relation to new methods of physical rehabilitation for patients with COPD.

Sedentary Behaviour, Physical Activity, and Their Associations with Health Outcomes at the Time of Diagnosis in People with Inoperable Lung Cancer

This study aimed to examine sedentary behaviour (SB), physical activity (PA) and their associations with health-related measures at the time of diagnosis in people with inoperable lung cancer. People newly diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer were invited to participate in the study and asked to wear an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Variables analysed included time spent in SB, light intensity PA (LIPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). Daily steps were also recorded. Data on symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), hand grip force, comorbidities and lung function were collected. Of the 120 patients referred to the study, 89 (74%) consented to participate, and SB/PA data were available for 79 (age 71 ± 11 years; 29 females). Participants spent 71% of their waking time in SB, 28% in LIPA and 1% in MVPA. Regression models demonstrated that increased SB was associated with more symptoms of fatigue and dyspnoea (p ≤ 0.02 for both), poorer HRQoL (general health and physical component score; p ≤ 0.02 for all) and lower hand grip force. For PA variables, higher daily step count was associated with better scores in all health-related measures (p < 0.05 for all). LIPA was associated with more health-related outcomes than MVPA. These findings may guide future interventions in this population.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on heart rate recovery in adult individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise is a marker of disease severity and prognosis in cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. More than 30% of adult individuals with asthma may show a slow HRR. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise capacity in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on HRR in individuals with asthma as compared to those with COPD.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of HRR one minute after the six-minute walking test (6MWT) was performed before and after an exercise training program. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Barthel Index-Dyspnea (BI-D), Medical Research Council (MRC) score for dyspnea, and the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand test (5STS) were also assessed as secondary outcome measures.

Results: Slow HRR prevalence was significantly lower in individuals with asthma than with COPD (29.1 vs. 46.7%, respectively: p = 0.003). Post-program HRR did not change in more than 70% of individuals in either population and improved in 16% of both populations, whereas it actually worsened in 12 and 10% of individuals with asthma and COPD, respectively. The outcome measures significantly improved in both populations, irrespective of baseline HRR.

Conclusion: In individuals with asthma or COPD, exercise training does not significantly improve HRR.

A feasibility trial of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD in a low resource setting: Jaffna, Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for most patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of devising a pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with COPD in a low resource setting (Jaffna, Sri Lanka) and to observe its effects.

METHODS

Non-randomized controlled feasibility trial of ambulatory patients with COPD attending the pulmonary outpatient clinic of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Age-matched patients were allocated alternatively to an intervention group or to a control group. Twice weekly, for six weeks, patients in the intervention group attended pulmonary rehabilitation sessions consisting of supervised stretching, aerobic and strengthening exercises, and patient-education. Before and at the conclusion of the study, all patients performed incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), 6-min walk test (6MWT) and completed the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, COPD assessment test (CAT), chronic COPD questionnaire (CCQ), and hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS).

RESULTS

204 patients with COPD (94% males) were identified at screening; 136 (66.7%) were eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation and 96 patients (47%) consented to participate. Of these, 54 patients (53 males) eventually participated in the study (42 patients were discouraged to participate by family members or friends); 40 patients (20 in the rehabilitation group and 20 patients in the control group) completed the study. Baseline characteristics of the intervention group and the control group were similar. 95% of patients in the intervention group adhered to regular home training exercises (self-reported diary). At post assessment, only the intervention group experienced clinically-meaningful improvements in symptoms and exercise capacity.

CONCLUSION

A simple and clinically beneficial pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with COPD can be effectively implemented in a low resource setting. However, there is a need for educating patients and the local community on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation to enhance uptake. Retrospective Trial Registration date and number: 16/04/2021, ISRCTN10069208.

Swetha, Prasanth G., Sakthi Sangeetha V., V. Gangadharan. Correlation between six-minute walk test and sit-to-stand test in COPD patients

Introduction and Aim: Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and spirometry are commonly used tests to assess the functional status of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) patients. However, many other simpler tests like Sit to Stand Test (STST) are also available. This study is done to assess the utility of STST in comparison to 6MWT to evaluate the functional status of COPD patients in our hospital.   Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective and an observational study conducted on 50 COPD patients. Each patient underwent spirometry and subjected to 6MWT and STST. Quadriceps femoris muscle powers are measured for every patient before start of study. During the test, dyspnoea grade, Pulse rate, respiratory rate, saturation and blood pressure were measured.   Results: In this study group mean age was 60.38±11.09 years, mean FEV1 55.24% ±16.18% and then 6MWT and STST were correlating with each other. On comparing parameters hemodynamic parameters before and after performing 6MWT and STST for 30 seconds. There is significant correlation between 6MWT and STST using Pearson’s correlation. However, there is a negative correlation between FEV1 and both 6MWT and  STST.   Conclusion: Sit to stand test is less time consuming, repeatable and easy to perform. STST can also determine the functional status of COPD patient similar to Spirometry and Six-minute walk test. Hence, STST can be an alternative test for Spirometry and 6MWT in COPD patients in a limited resource facility.

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Veterans Affairs-Based Comprehensive Lung Cancer Survivorship Program

PURPOSE

Few programs exist to address persistent impairment in functional status, quality of life, and mental health in lung cancer survivors. We aimed to determine whether a 12-wk multimodal survivorship program imparts clinical benefit.

METHODS

Any patient at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center with lung cancer and a Karnofsky score of ≥60 could participate. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medications were optimized at the enrollment visit. Participants with a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score of >8 were offered pharmacotherapy and mental health referral. Participants did home-based exercise with a goal of 1 hr/d, 5 d/wk. They were called weekly to assess exercise progress and review depression/anxiety symptoms. Participants were offered pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.

RESULTS

Twenty-three (50%) of the first 46 enrollees completed the full 12-wk program. Paired changes from enrollment to completion (mean ± SD) were observed in 6-min walk test (73.6 ± 96.9 m, P = .002), BODE (Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise) index (-1.45 ± 1.64 points, P < .001), Duke Activity Status Index (3.84 ± 7.12 points, P = .02), Fried Frailty Index (-0.588 ± 0.939 points, P = .02), modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (-0.619 ± 1.284 points, P = .04), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung Emotional subscale score (1.52 ± 2.96 points, P = .03), HADS total score (-2.63 ± 4.34 points, P = .02), and HADS Anxiety subscale score (-1.47 ± 2.29 points, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive Lung Cancer Survivorship Program provides clinically meaningful improvements in functional status, quality of life, and mental health.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on exercise capacity in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare strengthening by neuromuscular electrical stimulation versus cycle ergometer training during a pulmonary rehabilitation program, in patients with severe to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

DESIGN

A prospective randomized controlled study.

SETTING

Two inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation centers.

SUBJECTS

Patients with severe to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and multidimensional index to predict risk of death ≥5, were randomly assigned to receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation or cycle ergometer training during pulmonary rehabilitation.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary endpoint was the change in exercise capacity using 1-min sit-to-stand test Secondary endpoints were the changes in exercise capacity using 6-min walk test, quadriceps strength, quality of life and dyspnea.

RESULTS

102 patients were included. After 3 weeks, 47 patients in the neuromuscular electrical stimulation group, and 45 in the cycle ergometer training group were able to be analyzed. No significant difference was seen in the evolution of exercise capacity using 1-min sit-to-stand test (3.3 ± 3.8 and 2.6 ± 4.1) and 6-min walk test (37.8 ± 58.4 and 33.1 ± 46.7), in the evolution of quadriceps strength and endurance (9.2 ± 12.9 and 6.6 ± 16.1; 9.0 ± 13.2 and 6.2 ± 17.0), in the evolution of quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire: -11.3 ± 11.7 and -8.1 ± 11.6; COPD Assessment Test: -5.7 ± 7.1 and -4.7 ± 7.0), or in the evolution of dyspnea using Dyspnea 12 (-5.5 ± 10.2 and -5.9 ± 8.5) except using modified medical research council scale (95% confidence interval: 0.48 [0.05; 0.91], p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

We found no significant difference between the two programs on exercise capacity, quadriceps strength and quality of life.

Qingjin Yiqi granules for post-COVID-19 condition: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Qingjin Yiqi granules (QJYQ) on post-COVID-19 condition (PCC).

METHOD

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups, the QJYQ group received QJYQ combined with standard rehabilitation treatments (SRTs) and the control group only received SRTs. The treatment course was 14 days. The primary outcomes were modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale and Borg scale, while the secondary outcomes included symptoms score and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD). The safety outcome was the incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 388 patients with PCC were enrolled and randomly assigned to the QJYQ group (n = 194) and the control group (n = 194). Compared to the controls, the mMRC scale was improved in the QJYQ group, which was better than that of the control group [β (95%CI): -0.626 (-1.101, -0.151), p = 0.010]. A significant improvement in Borg scale was also observed in the QJYQ group compared to the control group [β (95%CI): -0.395(-0.744, -0.046), p = 0.026]. There was no statistically significant difference in symptoms score and 6MWD between the two groups (p = 0.293, p = 0.724). No treatment-related adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

QJYQ can bring benefits to patients with PCC, mainly in the improvement of breathlessness and fatigue.

Multidimensional outcome assessment of pulmonary rehabilitation in traits-based clusters of COPD patients

Background

Clusters of COPD patients have been reported in order to individualize the treatment program. Neither co-morbidity clusters, nor integrated respiratory physiomics clusters contributed to a better prediction of outcomes. Based on a thoroughly assessed set of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary traits at the start of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program, we recently described seven clusters of COPD patients. The aims of this study are to confirm multidimensional differential response and to assess the potential of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary traits-based clusters to predict this multidimensional response to PR pulmonary in COPD patients.

Methods

Outcomes of a 40-session PR program for COPD patients, referred by a chest physician, were evaluated based on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), cycle endurance time, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance and satisfaction scores, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and depression scores, MRC dyspnea grade and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. The aforementioned response indicators were used to calculate the overall multidimensional response and patients were grouped in very good, good, moderate and poor responders. In the same way, responses to pulmonary rehabilitation were compared based on seven previously identified pulmonary and extra-pulmonary traits-based clusters.

Results

Of the whole sample, drop out was 19% and 419 patients (55.4% males, age: 64.3 ± 8.8, FEV₁% of predicted: 48.9 ± 20) completed the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Very good responders had significantly worse baseline characteristics with a higher burden of disease, a higher proportion of rollator-users, higher body mass index (BMI), more limitations of activities in daily life, emotional dysfunction, higher symptoms of dyspnea and worse quality of life. Of the seven pre-identified clusters, ‘the overall best functioning cluster’ and ‘the low disease burden cluster’ both including the best 6MWD, the lowest dyspnea score and the overall best health status, demonstrated attenuated outcomes, while in ‘the cluster of disabled patients’, 76% of the patients improved health status with at least 2 times MCID. This ‘cluster of disabled patients’ as well as ‘the multimorbid cluster’, ‘the emotionally dysfunctioning cluster’, ‘the overall worst-functioning cluster’ and ‘the physically dysfunctioning cluster’ all demonstrated improvements in performance and satisfaction for occupational activities (more than 65% of patients improved with > 1MCID), emotional functioning (more than 50% of patients improved with > 1 MCID) and overall health status (more than 58%).

Conclusion

The current study confirms the differential response to pulmonary rehabilitation based on multidimensional response profiling. Cluster analysis of baseline traits illustrates that non-linear, clinically important differences can be achieved in the most functionally and emotionally impaired clusters and that ‘the overall best functional cluster’ as well as ‘the low disease burden cluster’ had an attenuated outcome.

Functional Status Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Responders and Non-Responders

The 6 min walking test (6MWT) has been largely studied. Less is, however, known about responders and non-responders to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in other meaningful activities. We explored responders and non-responders and the predictors of response to PR in the 1 min sit-to-stand test (1 min STS) and the 6MWT and compared both measures in classifying responders. An observational study was conducted with 121 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The functional status was assessed before and after PR. Baseline differences between responders and non-responders were tested with Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, or Fisher exact tests. Predictors were explored with binary logistic regressions. Agreement between both measures was assessed with chi-square, Cohen's kappa, and McNemar tests. There were 54.5% and 57.0% of responders in the 1 min STS and the 6MWT, respectively. The proportion of responders was significantly different (p = 0.048), with a small agreement between the measures (kappa = 0.180; p = 0.048). The baseline 6MWT was the only significant predictor of response in the 6MWT (OR = 0.995; pseudo-r2 = 0.117; p < 0.001). No significant predictors were found for the 1 min STS. A large number of non-responders in terms of functional status exist. The 1 min STS and the 6MWT should not be used interchangeably. Future studies should explore the added benefit of personalizing PR to this outcome and investigate other potential predictors.

Blood Eosinophils and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD

Background

Blood eosinophils predict the response to therapy, risk of exacerbation, and readmission in COPD. This study investigates whether blood eosinophils predict pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) outcomes in COPD.

Methods

We categorized patients into eosinophilic (blood eosinophils ≥300 cells/ml) or noneosinophilic (<300 cells/ml). In a retrospective design, we compared changes within and between the two groups on BODE index, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), FEV1, and mMRC dyspnea scale.

Results

Of 206 patients enrolled, 176 were included for analysis; 90 were eosinophilic. BODE index improved in both groups: (MD -1.25; 95% CI (-0.45, -4.25), P ≤ 0.001) in the eosinophilic and (MD -1.33; 95% CI (-1.72, -0.94), P ≤ 0.001) in the noneosinophilic, but a higher BODE index remained in the eosinophilic (4.98); adjusted mean change (β): 0.7 (95% CI (0.15, 1.26), P=0.01). 6MWT improved by 29.3 m in the eosinophilic (95% CI (14.2, 44.4), P ≤ 0.001) vs. 115.1 m in the noneosinophilic (95% CI (-30.4, 260.6), P=0.12). FEV1 did not change in the eosinophilic (MD -0.6; 95% CI (-2.64, 1.48), P=0.58), but improved by 2.5% in the noneosinophilic (MD 2.5; 95% CI (0.77, 4.17), P=0.005). There were no significant between-group differences in 6MWT and FEV1; adjusted mean changes (β) were -9.69 m (95% CI (-39.51, 20.14), P=0.52) and -2.31% (95% CI (-5.69, 1.08), P=0.18), respectively. There were no significant within- or between-group changes in the mMRC scale.

Conclusion

Although PR improves the BODE index in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic COPD, a higher eosinophil count (≥300 cells/ml) is associated with a higher (worse) BODE index. Blood eosinophils may predict PR outcomes.

Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Brief-BESTest in People With COPD After Pulmonary Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

he Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) is a comprehensive, reliable, and valid balance test that provides valuable information to guide balance training in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its clinical interpretability is, however, currently limited, because cutoff points to identify clinically relevant changes in people with COPD after pulmonary rehabilitation are still lacking. This study aimed to establish the responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Brief-BESTest in people with COPD after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of data from 2 previous studies was conducted. The modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), and the Brief-BESTest (0-24 points) were collected in people with COPD pre/post a 12-week PR program including balance training. The MCID was computed using anchor- and distribution-based methods. Changes in the 6-MWT and the mMRC were assessed and used as anchors. The pooled MCID was computed using the arithmetic weighted mean (2/3 anchor- and 1/3 distribution-based methods).

RESULTS

Seventy-one people with COPD (69 years [SD = 8]; 76% male; FEV1 = 49.8%predicted [SD = 18%]) were included. There was a significant improvement in the Brief-BESTest after PR (mean difference = 3 points [SD = 3]). Significant correlations were found between the Brief-BESTest and the mMRC (r = -.31) and the 6-MWT (r = .37). The pooled MCID was 3.3 points.

CONCLUSION

An improvement of at least 3 points in the Brief-BESTest in people with COPD will enhance the interpretability of PR effects on balance performance of this population and guide tailored interventions.

IMPACT

The Brief-BESTest outcome measure is comprehensive, easily administered, and simple to interpret in clinical practice. This study represents a significant contribution toward the clinical interpretation of changes in balance in people with COPD following PR.

Diaphragmatic excursion is correlated with the improvement in exercise tolerance after pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the maximum level of diaphragm excursion (DEmax) is correlated with dynamic lung hyperinflation and exercise tolerance. This study aimed to elucidate the utility of DEmax to predict the improvement in exercise tolerance after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with COPD.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Of the 62 patients with stable COPD who participated in the outpatient PR programme from April 2018 to February 2021, 50 completed the programme. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was performed to evaluate exercise tolerance, and ultrasonography was performed to measure DEmax. Responders to PR in exercise capacity were defined as patients who demonstrated an increase of > 30 m in 6MWD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off point of DEmax to predict responses to PR.

RESULTS

Baseline levels of forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 6MWD, maximum inspiratory pressure, DEmax and quadriceps muscle strength were significantly higher, and peak dyspnoea of modified Borg (mBorg) scale score was lower in responders (n = 30) than in non-responders (n = 20) to PR (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, DEmax was significantly correlated with an increase of > 30 m in 6MWD. The area under the ROC curve of DEmax to predict responders was 0.915, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 95%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 44.9 mm of DEmax.

CONCLUSION

DEmax could adequately predict the improvement in exercise tolerance after PR in patients with COPD.

Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on maximal exercise capacity for adults living with post-TB lung disease: Global RECHARGE Uganda

INTRODUCTION

The burden of post-tuberculosis (TB) lung disease (PTBLD) is steadily increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, causing disability among TB survivors. Without effective medicines, the mainstay of PTBLD treatment evolves around disease prevention and supportive treatment. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention has shown effectiveness in a group of PTBLD individuals but has not been tested in a clinical trial. This study aims to assess the impact of a 6-week PR programme on maximal exercise capacity and other outcomes among adults in Uganda living with PTBLD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a randomised waiting-list controlled trial with blinded outcome measures, comparing PR versus usual care for patients with PTBLD. A total of 114 participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive either usual care (on the waiting list) or PR, with follow-up assessments at 6 weeks and 12 weeks postintervention. The primary outcome is change in walking distance measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test from baseline to the end of 6 weeks of PR. All secondary outcomes will be compared between the PR and usual care arms from baseline to 6-week and 12-week follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include self-reported respiratory symptoms, physical activity, psychological well-being, health-related quality of life and cost-benefit analysis. All randomised participants will be included in the intention-to-treat analysis population. The primary efficacy analysis will be based on both per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat populations.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has received ethical clearance from the Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (MHREC 1478), Kampala, Uganda as well as the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (SS 5105). Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Leicester, UK research ethics committee (Ref No. 22349). Study findings will be published in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at appropriate local, regional and international scientific meetings and conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN18256843.

PROTOCOL VERSION

Version 1.0 July 2019.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with interstitial lung diseases: Correlates of success

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) have been reported. The aim of this large multicenter study was to identify the success predictors of pulmonary rehabilitation in a real-life setting.

METHODS

Data of 240 in-patients (110 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 106 ILD other than IPF and 24 undetermined ILD) undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation in a 10-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Six minute walking distance (6MWT), body weight-walking distance product tests, dyspnoea and arterial blood gases were assessed at admission and discharge. Differences in post rehabilitation changes in outcome measures as function of baseline characteristics were evaluated.

RESULTS

After rehabilitation, patients showed improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.05), regardless of the underlying diagnosis or disease severity. Patients needing oxygen therapy at rest showed reduced benefits. Baseline 6MWD inversely correlated with its changes at discharge. Non-significant greater benefits after rehabilitation were found in IPF patients under antifibrotic therapy. In a subset of 50 patients assessed on average 10.3 ± 3.5 months after discharge, the benefits in 6MWD were not maintained (312.9 ± 139.4, 369.7 ± 122.5 and 310.8 ± 139.6 m at admission, discharge and follow up respectively: p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary rehabilitation may improve dyspnoea, exercise capacity and fatigue in patients with ILD of different aethiologies and level of severity. The long-term effects need to be established.

The severity of acute exacerbations of COPD and the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective also in patients recovering from acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). We aimed to evaluate whether levels of dyspnoea affect the outcome of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients recovering from AECOPD requiring different levels of care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective data analysis of 1057 patients recovering from AECOPD requiring either hospital (Hospital group: 291) or home management (Home group: 766), undergone post AECOPD in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation. The 6-min walking distance (6MWD) test was the primary outcome, stratified by the Barthel index Dyspnoea (Bid). Data of modified Medical Research Council scale, Short Physical Performance Battery, COPD Assessment Test were also analysed, when available.

RESULTS

In overall population 6MWD improved significantly from 278 (129) to 335 (139) meters (p < 0.001). As compared to Home, 6MWD improved more in Hospital group [by 81.9 (79.6) vs 48.9 (94.4) meters respectively, p < 0.001] also when stratified by Bid levels (all: p < 0.01). In Hospital group, 6MWD improved significantly more in patients with Bid level 3 than levels 4 and 5 (p < 0.05). Hospital group showed a greater proportion of patients reaching the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for 6MWD (75.9 vs 56.7% in Hospital and Home group respectively p < 0.001). All other available outcome measures significantly (p < 0.01) improved independent of the Bid levels. There was no significant correlation between baseline severity of airflow obstruction and effect of the program.

CONCLUSIONS

In-patient pulmonary rehabilitation results in clinically meaningful improvement in patients recovering from AECOPD, independent of severity of dyspnoea. However, the levels of dyspnoea severity and the care required by AECOPD influenced the magnitude of success.

Effects of a Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in GOLD B Group: A Pilot Study

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) B group can be included in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) settings outside the hospitals. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) program and assess its impact on patients with COPD in the GOLD B group. A real-world, pre–post intervention study was conducted with 12 weeks of HBPR (presential home visits and phone calls) using the self-management program Living Well with COPD. The 1-min sit-to-stand test (1MSTS), modified Medical Research Council Questionnaire (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) were used to assess the impact. Pre–post differences and correlations between changes in outcomes were calculated. In 30 patients (71.6 years, FEV₁ (%) 52.8), significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed on 1MSTS (Pre 17.2, Post 21.2), mMRC (Pre 2.0, Post 1.0), CAT (Pre 16.3, Post 9.9), HADS (Pre 14.4, Post 9.6), and LCADL (Pre 21.0, Post 15.8), with no adverse events reported. When significant, correlations between changes in outcomes were moderate or strong (0.48 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.66). HBPR can be feasible and safe, and it shows the potential to significantly improve outcomes of patients with COPD in the GOLD B group.

Determination of the minimal important difference for Dyspnoea-12 questionnaire in patients with COPD, after pulmonary rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION

The authors of the international task force about the management of Dyspnoea recommend assessing sensory and affective components of dyspnoea. The Dyspnoea-12 questionnaire (D-12) allows to assess both components of dyspnoea. D-12 is valid and reliable but its sensitivity to pulmonary rehabilitation was not studied. The aim of this study was to estimate the minimal important difference (MID) for D-12 in COPD patients undergoing a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP).

METHODS

Severe or very severe COPD patients undergoing a PRP were included. Dyspnoea was assessed using D-12, MMRC dyspnoea scale, London chest of Activity of Daily Living questionnaire (LCADL). Quality of life was assessed using Saint-George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD assessment Test (CAT); exercise capacity using 6-Minute walk Test (6MWT) and 1-minute sit to-stand test (1STST). The MID was evaluated using distribution and anchor-based methods.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (age: 64.4 ± 8.2; FEV1 (%): 28.6 ± 8.1) were included. At the end of the PRP, patients had significantly decreased their dyspnoea measured with D-12, MMRC, LCADL (D-12:23.9 ± 8.9 to 17.6 ± 9.4; MMRC: 3 ± 0.7 to 2.2 ± 1.1, LCADL: 38 ± 13.9 to 31.6 ± 11; p < 0.0001). Using the distribution-based analysis, MID of -2.67 (standard error of measurement) or -4.45 (standard deviation) was found. According to methodology, we could only use SGRQ as anchor. With SGRQ as anchor, the receiver operating characteristic curve identified MID for the change in D-12 at -6.1 (sensibility: 58%, specificity: 79%). The correlation with SGRQ was modest (r = 0.33), so the calculated MID should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSION

D-12 is a good tool to assess the decrease of dyspnoea after PR. We propose MID of -6 points. However, Future estimates of MID for the D-12 should use anchors that are more strongly correlated with it.

Efficacy of unsupervised exercise in adults with obstructive lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The benefits of unsupervised exercise programmes in obstructive lung disease are unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise evidence regarding the efficacy of unsupervised exercise versus non-exercise-based usual care in patients with obstructive lung disease.

METHODS

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials, UK Clinical Trials Gateway and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched from inception to April 2020 for randomised trials comparing unsupervised exercise programmes with non-exercise-based usual care in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis or asthma. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, quality of life, mortality, exacerbations and respiratory cause hospitalisations.

RESULTS

Sixteen trials (13 COPD, 2 asthma, 1 chronic bronchitis: 1184 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Only data on COPD populations were available for meta-analysis. Unsupervised exercise resulted in a statistically but not clinically significant improvement in the 6-Minute Walk Test (n=5, MD=22.0 m, 95% CI 4.4 to 39.6 m, p=0.01). However, unsupervised exercise did lead to statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (n=4, MD=-11.8 points, 95% CI -21.2 to -2.3 points, p=0.01) and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire domains (dyspnoea: n=4, MD=0.5 points, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8 points, p<0.01; fatigue: n=4, MD=0.7 points, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.0 points, p<0.01; emotion: n=4, MD=0.5 points, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7 points, p<0.01; mastery: unable to perform meta-analysis) compared with non-exercise-based usual care.

DISCUSSION

This review demonstrates clinical benefits of unsupervised exercise interventions on health-related quality of life in patients with COPD. High-quality randomised trials are needed to examine the effectiveness of prescription methods.