Exercise training in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic devastating interstitial lung disease associated with exercise intolerance, dyspnea, hypoxemia, diminished quality of life and poor prognosis. A growing body of evidence with respect to short-term effects of exercise training has demonstrated clinical benefits in IPF patients. A recent systematic review showed significant improvements in 6-min walking distance, peak aerobic capacity, reduced dyspnea and improved quality of life. However, aspects of training programs, maintenance and predictors of improvement and the impact on prognosis need to be further explored. The aim of this paper was to comprehensively review the existing scientific literature regarding exercise training in patients with IPF and identify important gaps that should be studied in the future.

Keywords:

• Exercise tolerance
• 6-min walking distance
• dyspnea
• quality of life

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Professor Anne Holland for her professional reviewing and important suggestions with this manuscript. The authors also express their gratitude to Ms. Dalia Dawn Orkin for her important English language contributions and editing services.