Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Walking Speed in Patients With COPD or ILD Patients

Effects of a Three-week Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Walking Speed in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a three-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on the walking speed in patients with chronic obstructive (COPD) or interstitial lung disease (ILD).

At most german traffic light crossings, a walking speed of 1,2m/sec is required to cross the road in time. Patients who are unable to cross the road at this speed, expose themselves to an increased level of stress and possibly the risk of accidents. Thus, they are discouraged from participating in an active social life.

An UK study (Nolan et al., Thorax 2018) showed that only 10.7% of the 926 patients with moderate COPD attained a walking speed of 1.2m/sec. As PR plays a key role in the management of chronic lung diseases in order to improve patients´ exercise capacity, the aim of this study was to evaluate the PR effects on the Walking Speed in patients with COPD or ILD. The investigators hypothesize that PR improves the ability to cross the road in the appropriate time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participation in a pulmonary Rehabilitation program (Schön Klinik BGL)
• Indication: COPD or ILD
• COPD; FEV1 <50%
• ILD: FVC <70%
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• non compliance