Abstract
Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has proven effective in treatment of COPD patients. The effectivity of PR in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis remains unclear and therefore there is a need for further research.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of PR on breathing pattern and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Methods: There were 10 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis recruited to the 6-week PR programme. The assessment included lung function tests, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) mouth pressures, chest expansion (CE), 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and HRQL by Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ). The evaluation was performed at baseline and after six weeks. The PR programme consisted of respiratory physiotherapy, soft tissue techniques and regular physical activity.
Results: The mean age of patients was 45.9±14.1 years with stages I, II and III of the disease (2, 7 and 1 patient respectively). Six patients were undergoing PR programme simultaneously with corticotherapy. Lung function tests showed normal values in all patients at baseline and after PR.
Conclusion: Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis can benefit from a PR programme, as it improves chest expansion and strength of breathing muscles, which plays an important role in the physical fitness level and is further reflected in an improved HRQL of the patients.
Supported by Palacky University, FTK_2010_004.
- © 2011 ERS
