Enhancing Functional Performance and Quality of Life with Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients Before Lung Transplant: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Abstract

Objectives: Evidence supports the positive effect of pulmonary rehabilitation as a secondary preventive option in patients who have undergone lung transplant. However, evidence of the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on candidates before lung transplant is scarce. In this study, we assessed the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation before lung transplant on exercise capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective cohort quasi-experimental study. Patients diagnosed with end-stage pulmonary disease and listed for lung transplant were recruited. All patients received pulmonary rehabilitation for 8 weeks. All patients underwent the 6-minute walk test and the timed up and go test and completed the 8 questions of the SF-36 Short Form Health Survey questionnaire.

Results: Sixty-five patients completed the pulmonary rehabilitation program (mean age of 40 ± 13 years). Significant improvements were shown in the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, which increased by 57 ± 17 m, and the timed up and go test result decreased by 1.58 seconds. The total SF-36 score increased by 17.9%.

Conclusions: Pulmonary rehabilitation before lung transplant has a positive effect on the exercise capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life of patients listed for lung transplant.