title: Benefits of physical training in patients with idiopathic or end-stage sarcoidosis-related pulmonary fibrosis: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The natural history of disease in patients with stage IV (fibrotic) sarcoidosis may mirror that of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Both are bothered by progressive dyspnea, exercise limitation and fatigue.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish whether patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis might benefit from a physical training program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four eligible patients referred to the out-patient clinic of the ild care expertise team of Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, The Netherlands between November 2012 and November 2013 were included in this observational pilot study of a 12-week physical training program. Outcomes, including exercise capacity, skeletal muscle strength, lung function and fatigue were assessed at two time points: 1) baseline; and 2) after completion of a 12-week physical training program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, the percentage predicted DLCO, FVC, FEV1 and exercise capacity (assessed by six-minute walking distance (6MWD) or maximal oxygen uptake) was reduced in both groups. After program completion, exercise capacity improved (&gt;10% improvement 6MWD) in 13 subjects (54.2%): 7 with IPF and 6 with sarcoidosis subjects. Other secondary endpoints, including pulmonary function tests and patient-reported outcome measures improved in some subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A 12-week physical training program improved or maintained exercise capacity in patients with IPF (despite disease progression) or fibrotic sarcoidosis. The results from this pilot study could be used to design prospective studies aimed at answering lingering questions about exercise training in patients with these progressive, incurable conditions.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Physical Therapy Hospital Gelderse Vallei (ZGV) Ede; ild care expertise team, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, ZGV, Ede. strookappeb@zgv.nl.
authors.forename: Bert
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Strookappe
authors.forename: Marjon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elfferich
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Swigris
authors.forename: Ad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verschoof
authors.forename: Johny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Veschakelen
authors.forename: Ton
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Knevel
authors.forename: Marjolein
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drent
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054990:Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity