The effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic lung disease

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program on lung function, dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in 23 Koreans with moderate to severe chronic lung disease. The outcome measures were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, % predicted), Borg score, 6 min walking distance (6 MWD), and chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRDQ). Experimental group (n=15) performed the 8-week home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program, composed of inspiratory muscle training, upper and lower extremity exercise, relaxation, and telephone visit. Patients in control group (n=8) were only given educational advice. The experimental group showed a lower level of exertional dyspnea, more exercise tolerance, and greater improvement in health-related quality of life than the control group (p<0.05). Lung function was not statistically different. This study yielded evidence for the beneficial effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program.