OBJECTIVE:

To examine the effect of participating in a 12-week supervised exercise training (ET) program on physical activity and body composition in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

DESIGN:

Randomized controlled trial assessing physical activity and body composition at baseline, after 12-week intervention, and at 11 months follow-up.

SETTING:

Outpatient hospital.

PARTICIPANTS:

Patients with IPF (N=34; mean age, 68±8y) recruited for this study; 32 patients completed the 12-week intervention (ET group: n=15; control group: n=17) and 28 patients (14 in each group) reassessed at 11-month follow-up from baseline.

INTERVENTIONS:

Participation in a 12-week supervised ET program or regular medical treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Changes in physical activity levels as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS:

After the 12-week intervention, physical activity levels were significantly increased in the ET group whereas the control group showed a trend toward deterioration (median difference between the groups, 2164MET-min/wk [interquartile range, 1576MET-min/wk]; MET = metabolic equivalent; P<.001). Body composition was also significantly improved in the ET group, whereas the control group showed an opposite trend. At 11-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in all variables. The ET group lost most of the achieved improvements in the outcomes and returned to near baseline levels, whereas the control group showed a trend toward worsened outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Physical activity and body composition in patients with IPF were improved after a 12-week supervised ET program, although the benefits were not sustained at 11-month follow-up. These results may support the efficacy of participation in supervised ET to improve physical activity and body composition in patients with IPF; however, maintenance strategies are warranted to preserve the improved outcomes.

Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.