The Benefits of Home Exercise in Pulmonary Hypertension Interstitial Lung Disease

The Benefits of Home Exercise in Pulmonary Hypertension Interstitial Lung Disease

This study evaluates the effects of a structured home exercise program in participants with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease. Participants will complete a defined exercise regimen over a 16-week period, and functional capacity and patient reported outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether a home-based exercise approach is feasible and associated with improvements in functional performance.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease is associated with reduced exercise capacity, decreased quality of life, and increased morbidity. Exercise based interventions may improve functional status in this population; however, access to supervised rehabilitation programs may be limited. Home based exercise programs offer a potentially accessible alternative, but their feasibility and effectiveness in this population are not well established.

In this interventional study, participants with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease will be enrolled and assigned to a structured home exercise program. The intervention will be performed over a 16-week period. Participants will undergo baseline assessments prior to starting the exercise program and follow up assessments at the end of the intervention period.

Assessments will include measures of functional capacity and patient reported outcomes collected using standardized methods. The primary objective is to evaluate changes in functional performance following completion of the home exercise program. Secondary objectives include evaluation of participant reported outcomes and feasibility of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Follows at University of Rochester Medical Center Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic.
• Adult patients (>18 years old) with right heart catheterization confirmed pulmonary hypertension interstitial lung disease on stable therapy dosing for at least 30 days.
• Access to a smart phone or email to receive daily messages.
• Clinically stable by the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy.
• Pulmonary Hypertension Groups 1,2,4,5.
• Resting tachycardia >120 beats/m during screening.
• Inability to walk.
• WHO Functional Class IV
• Lack of access to email or text messaging.
• Participating in a rehabilitation program.