Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy最新文献

{"title":"Effectiveness of repeated pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.","authors":"Jibril Mohammed, Sarah Houben-Wilke, Miriam T J Groenen, Frits M E Franssen, Rein Posthuma, Daisy J A Janssen, Martijn A Spruit, Anouk W Vaes","doi":"10.29390/001c.169555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29390/001c.169555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise capacity, functional status, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, these benefits often decline over time, necessitating repeated PR. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of repeated PR on clinical outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of a second PR program on functional, physical, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with COPD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from patients with COPD who completed two PR programs (PR1 and PR2) at Ciro, Horn, the Netherlands, between January 2005 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes included exercise capacity (constant work rate test [CWRT]), quadriceps muscle strength (isokinetic quadriceps strength [IQS]), functional capacity (6-minute walk distance [6MWD]), and patient-reported outcomes using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 7,984 PR records, 429 patients (858 PR records) met the inclusion criteria (54% men; mean age 62.5±8.1 years; FEV₁ 43.5% predicted). Significant improvements were observed following both PR programs, including 6MWD (PR1: Mean Difference [MD] 37.0 m, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 29.2-44.8; PR2: MD 27.0 m, 95% CI 19.2-34.8) and IQS (PR1: MD 10.4 Nm, 95% CI 8.4-12.4; PR2: MD 8.6 Nm, 95% CI 6.6-10.6), as well as for CWRT, CAT, SGRQ, HADS, and COPM (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Improvements in 6MWD and IQS were significantly greater after PR1 than PR2 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). All outcomes declined significantly between completion of PR1 and initiation of PR2 (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although improvements following repeated PR were smaller than those after the initial program, clinically meaningful gains were achieved across multiple outcomes, supporting the value of repeated PR in patients whose health status deteriorates over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Repeated PR effectively improves functional capacity, muscle strength, exercise performance, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with COPD. Strategies to sustain PR benefits after program completion should be prioritized.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"217-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Respiratory therapists' perceptions of electrical impedance tomography in pediatric intensive care: A mixed methods implementation study.","authors":"Katherine Reise, Shirley Quach, Briseida Mema, Luciana Rodriguez Guerineau, Leanne Davidson, Mika Nonoyama","doi":"10.29390/001c.169556","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.169556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The implementation of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in pediatric critical care remains relatively new. Pediatric physiology and critical care differ substantially from adult approaches; tailored guidance and strategies are needed. This study aims to understand respiratory therapists' perspectives on integrating EIT in a quaternary pediatric critical care setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convergent mixed-methods study of EIT implementation was carried out over 13 months at a quaternary pediatric critical care unit, during which clinical EIT use was monitored. Participants were respiratory therapists who had completed EIT training. Two cycles of implementation and evaluation, guided by the Knowledge-to-Action Framework, were completed. Perceived workload and usability (NASA-TLX and System Usability Scale [SUS], respectively) were assessed at the start and end of the study, and clinical use was recorded. Interviews were conducted with participants at two points to tailor implementation; the interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen respiratory therapists participated in the study. EIT was used for 32 assessments during the study period. The most common reason for using EIT was to assess PEEP. NASA-TLX and SUS indicated a moderately demanding workload and marginally low usability (46.1 and 58.0, respectively), with no statistically significant change over the study period (end-of-study scores 40.7 and 56.8, respectively). The implementation of EIT was shaped by dynamics at different levels: at the individual level, by professional identity and legitimacy; at the organizational level, by capacity and workflow realities; and at the system level, by structural integration and standardization. Adoption was not based on skepticism of EIT technology but rather on whether its perceived clinical value outweighed the capacity and workflow realities of embedding it into management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EIT implementation remains challenging, with individual, organizational, and system-level challenges. Infrequent use of the technology, coupled with complex interpretation, underscores the need for ongoing education to sustain user comfort, with resources and time as key factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"203-216"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13641399/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reflections on implementing a collaborative professional practice learning experience for respiratory therapy students in Alberta.","authors":"Tracey Telenko, Roberta Dubois, Dallas Will, Suzanne Boyd, Erica Kam, Brian Witschen","doi":"10.29390/001c.169536","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.169536","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"198-202"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13604935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A qualitative evaluation of asthma patients' treatment adherence and psychosocial challenges in their daily lives: A phenomenological design.","authors":"Ali Bilmez, Kaan Çakan, Melda Karavuş, Seyhan Hıdıroğlu, Duygu Bağrıyanık, Hamza Ardıç, Mahur B Aksoy, Mehmet A B Çim, Ömer B Yılmaz, Mohamad Aboras","doi":"10.29390/001c.169549","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.169549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that affects physical, psychological, and social functioning. Treatment adherence is essential for achieving disease control; however, it is often influenced by psychosocial, environmental, and treatment-related factors. This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate treatment adherence and psychosocial challenges experienced by patients with asthma in daily life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Twelve adults with moderate-to-severe asthma were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed independently by researchers using thematic and open coding in accordance with the Colaizzi phenomenological design . # Results Four main themes emerged: the impact of asthma on daily life; asthma treatment; awareness of asthma and social perception; and social reactions and psychological and emotional factors. Participants reported that asthma diminishes their quality of life through physical burdens, social exclusion from crowded environments affecting their professional lives, and acute respiratory distress triggered by environmental factors. Some participants reported experiencing financial difficulties, side effects and polypharmacy, whereas others continued to use their medications while tolerating the side effects. Social perceptions of asthma may influence patients' psychological well-being and treatment processes, as feelings of exclusion related to coughing attacks or medication use can negatively impact motivation and treatment adherence. Some participants reported that they sometimes sensed uncomfortable looks from those around them . # Conclusion Asthma management involves multidimensional challenges beyond pharmacological treatment. Patient-centred approaches that integrate continuous follow-up, structured education, psychosocial support, and environmental control are essential for improving treatment adherence and long-term disease control.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"185-197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13604934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perspectives of intensive care professionals on extubation practices, causes of delays, and proposed solutions: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ali M Alasmari, Ziyad Alshehri, Haneen Alrehaili, Joud Mahrous, Sarah Alsaedi, Deemah Alahmadi, Abdulrahman M Hawsawi, Keir Ej Philip, Abdullah S Alsulayyim, Faten S Almutairi, Fatemah N Alahmadi, Ahmad I Alhusseini, Yahya A Alzahrani, Eman Sobh, Fahad H Alahmadi, Ghadha Alosaimi","doi":"10.29390/001c.169500","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.169500","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Timely extubation is essential to ensure patient safety and efficient intensive care unit (ICU) management. Delays in extubation can lead to adverse outcomes and extended hospital stays. Although several factors affect timely extubation, those contributing to delays, especially in Saudi Arabian ICUs, have not been well described. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to delayed extubation in Saudi Arabian ICUs from the perspective of ICU healthcare professionals (HCPs), including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists (RTs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia among physicians, respiratory therapists (RTs), and nurses with at least three months of ICU experience. The questionnaire assessed perceived extubation timing, comfort with extubation order placement, perceived barriers to delayed extubation, and suggested solutions. Likert-scale items were interpreted as perceived barrier scores, with higher scores indicating stronger perceived barriers to delay. Open-ended responses were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 292 ICU professionals participated in the study (22% physicians, 31% nurses, and 45% RTs). Although most respondents (78%) reported that extubation usually occurred within 3 hours of a successful spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), their perceptions of the appropriateness of this timing differed. The most frequently reported barriers to timely extubation were staffing limitations (18%), communication and teamwork issues (16%), and procedural inefficiencies (14%). Physician comfort levels with placing extubation orders varied significantly by seniority (<i>p</i> < .001). Suggested solutions included standardized protocols (20%), adequate staffing (18%), and routine assessments (16%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ICU healthcare professionals perceived delayed extubation as mainly associated with modifiable organizational and workflow-related barriers. Addressing these barriers through interprofessional collaboration, protocol standardization, and targeted training may optimize the extubation process and ultimately may inform future quality improvement initiatives in Saudi ICUs.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"176-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13641400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paediatric bougie-assisted nasogastric tube placement: A rescue technique.","authors":"Akhil M S, Sumit R Chowdhury, Chandrika Priyadarshini, Hirok Roy","doi":"10.29390/001c.169554","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.169554","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"173-175"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13604933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the active cycle breathing technique with other self-administered breathing techniques for the management of mucociliary production in cystic fibrosis: A systematic review.","authors":"Muhammad Najeeb Ullah Khan, Asma Osama","doi":"10.29390/001c.166820","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.166820","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by excessive airway mucus, recurrent infections, impaired ventilation, and progressive decline in lung function. Airway clearance techniques are central to management. Among them is the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT), which incorporates breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and the forced expiratory technique (FET). Comparative evaluation with other self-administered exercises is needed to identify the most effective approach for clinical use.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effects of ACBT compared with other self-administered or non-device airway clearance techniques on pulmonary function in individuals with CF.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled and crossover trials comparing ACBT with other self-administered or home-based airway clearance techniques were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Study selection was performed by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. Due to methodological and clinical heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively without meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight reported pulmonary function outcomes; three found significant short-term improvements in ACBT over postural drainage (<i>p</i> < 0.01), autogenic drainage (<i>p</i> < 0.002), and assisted ACBT (<i>p</i> < 0.07). Seven studies measured sputum weight, with four showing significant reductions (<i>p</i> < 0.05-0.001). One study found higher oxygen saturation after ACBT versus postural drainage (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Six studies using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire reported improved physical and psychological well-being. Limited evidence suggested short-term improvements in oxygen saturation and quality of life. Most included studies were small, heterogeneous, and conducted before the widespread use of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ACBT may provide short-term benefits in pulmonary function, sputum clearance, and quality of life in people with CF. However, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and the predominance of older studies. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the long-term effectiveness and contemporary relevance of ACBT.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"162-172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477732/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148760771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound assessment of abdominal respiratory muscles during ventilator weaning: A scoping review.","authors":"Henry Mauricio Parada-Gereda, Leonardo Arzayus Patiño, Luis Alexander Peña-Lopez, Diego Muñóz-Escudero, Daniel Molano-Franco","doi":"10.29390/001c.165137","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.165137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ultrasound assessment of respiratory muscles has gained relevance as a bedside tool during weaning from mechanical ventilation. While most research has focused on the diaphragm, the abdominal respiratory muscles play an important role in expiratory mechanics, cough effectiveness, and airway protection during the transition to spontaneous breathing. However, the extent and characteristics of the evidence supporting abdominal muscle ultrasound in this context remain unclear. # Methods A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Epistemonikos from database inception to May 30, 2026. Original studies evaluating ultrasound assessment of abdominal respiratory muscles in adult patients undergoing weaning or extubation from invasive mechanical ventilation were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, and findings were synthesized descriptively. # Results Four prospective observational studies were included, encompassing 203 adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Ultrasound assessment focused primarily on abdominal muscle thickness and, in two studies, on thickening fraction during coughing. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in ultrasound protocols, timing of measurements, and definitions of weaning or extubation success. # Conclusions Evidence on abdominal muscle ultrasound during ventilator weaning is limited and heterogeneous. Although this approach may provide complementary physiological information, current data are insufficient to support routine clinical use. Further standardized studies are needed to better define its role in weaning and extubation assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"148-161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13401493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148593884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interprofessional education involving respiratory therapists: A narrative review of implementation models, educational outcomes, and research gaps.","authors":"Yi-Heng Chen, Ya-Ting Chuang, Tao-An Chen","doi":"10.29390/001c.164287","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.164287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Respiratory therapists (RTs) are essential members of multidisciplinary respiratory and critical care teams, yet their contributions to interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice remain less well characterized than those of many other health professions. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding RT-inclusive IPE, educational outcomes, implementation models, and remaining research gaps. # Methods This review followed Ferrari's narrative review framework. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, ERIC, ProQuest, and supplementary sources from database inception through September 2025. Studies were eligible if they involved RTs or respiratory therapy students and addressed interprofessional education, interprofessional learning, collaborative practice, or team-based healthcare delivery. # Results Seventeen records published between 2013 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies originated from North America and were conducted in educational settings. Simulation-based learning was the predominant IPE strategy. RT-inclusive IPE was associated with improvements in teamwork, interprofessional communication, role clarification, collaborative competence, mechanical ventilation knowledge, and clinical preparedness. Clinical reports also described valuable RT contributions in neonatal care, primary care teams, and intensive care recovery clinics. However, RT perspectives remained underrepresented in curriculum development, research priority-setting, and outcome evaluation. Common implementation barriers included scheduling constraints, curricular overload, logistical challenges, and limited faculty resources. # Conclusion Current evidence suggests that RT-inclusive IPE strengthens collaborative competencies and supports team-based respiratory care. Future research should incorporate standardized outcome measures, longitudinal evaluation, RT-specific indicators, and greater involvement of RT educators and clinicians in the design, implementation, and assessment of interprofessional education initiatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"135-147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13380188/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148498108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical predictors of impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity in patients recovering from COVID-19: A secondary analysis of multicentre datasets.","authors":"Patchareeya Amput, Weerasak Tapanya, Noppharath Sangkarit, Suphannika Ladawan, Sirima Wongphon","doi":"10.29390/001c.164115","DOIUrl":"10.29390/001c.164115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to identify clinical predictors of impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity in patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using a secondary analysis of multicentre datasets. # Methods This secondary analysis included adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who underwent pulmonary function testing during the post-acute recovery phase. In total, 572 post-COVID-19 patients were included. Demographic characteristics and pulmonary function parameters were extracted from the datasets. Impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was defined as a DLCO Z-score < -1.645 (below the lower limit of normal) according to Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations. Univariable logistic regression was used as an initial screening step, and variables with <i>p</i> < 0.10, together with clinically relevant variables, were considered for multivariable analysis. # Results Of the 572 post-COVID-19 patients, 145 had impaired DLCO. Baseline characteristics differed significantly between patients with normal and impaired DLCO, particularly in age, sex, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and total lung capacity (TLC) (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Age, sex, FVC, FEV1, and TLC were significantly associated with impaired DLCO in multivariable analysis. In multivariable logistic regression, age (adjusted OR 1.025; <i>p</i> = 0.002), female sex (adjusted OR 0.379; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and TLC (adjusted OR 0.603; <i>p</i> < 0.001) remained statistically associated with impaired DLCO. The model showed acceptable apparent discrimination in the development dataset (AUC 0.710). # Conclusions Impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity was observed in approximately one-quarter of patients recovering from COVID-19. Older age, sex, and lower total lung capacity were independently associated with impaired DLCO in this secondary analysis. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory associations rather than causal or validated predictive effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":39373,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy","volume":"62 ","pages":"127-134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13374891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148473229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}