M25 Outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with bronchiectasis. (12th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chapman, J; Duckers, J; Lines, T; Proud, D; Hilsden, E
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 74(2019)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A248
• Page End: A248
• Publication Date: 2019-11-12
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2019-BTSabstracts2019.433
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Current data on the outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in bronchiectasis patients is limited. This 12-year retrospective review aims to expand on current research into changes in exercise capacity, symptom severity, patient heath status and psychological wellbeing following a 19 session rehabilitation programme. Method: 115 patients with a primary diagnosis of bronchiectasis were included into this study. 94 patients (82.6%) completed outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, a 3 session per week interdisciplinary programme of care involving patient education, exercise training and relaxation practice. Primary outcome measures were assessed via changes in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) or 6-minute walk test (6MWT), self-reporting questionnaires including the St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), as well as health status predictors such as handgrip strength and Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI), a bioelectric impedance measurement of body fat composition. Results: There was an average increase of 47 m in the 6MWT (P<0.001) and 71 m (P<0.0001) in the ISWT. Other significant findings included a decrease in self-reported dyspnoea (P<0.001), as well as significant improvements in symptom related quality of life (P<0.0001) and psychosocial wellbeing (p<0.0001). It found no significant changes in fat free mass index, but significant increases in hand grip strength (p=0.049). Conclusions: Exercise capacity, symptom control, quality of life and psychological wellbeing significantly improved immediately following pulmonary rehabilitation. Hand grip strength, a marker of exacerbation frequency and mortality, also significantly improved, an area with limited previous research. Further research is needed to explore pulmonary rehabilitation's long term benefits and its cost effectiveness for bronchiectasis patients.