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The Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function Tests, Exercise Capacity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
Summary
This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week physiotherapist-supervised pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme on pulmonary function tests (PFT), exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer (Stage IIIB/IV) receiving chemotherapy. Thirty patients were randomised to a PR group (n=15) or a home-programme control group (n=15). The PR group underwent twice-daily supervised sessions comprising postural drainage with breathing exercises, bronchial clearance techniques, active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT), effective coughing manoeuvres, and strengthening exercises - plus home aerobic walking 20 min/day. The control group performed home-based breathing and coughing exercises twice daily. Results: The PR group showed significant improvements in 6MWT (+85.8 m; p=0.001), FVC, FEV1, PEF (all p=0.001), and all 8 LCSS symptom domains (p=0.001). The control group showed significant declines in FEV1, PEF, 6MWT, and worsening quality of life. Between-group differences were significant for all primary outcomes (p≤0.001).
Official title: The Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function Tests, Exercise Capacity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer (Stage IIIB/IV) Receiving Chemotherapy: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2018-11-01
Completion Date
2019-05-30
Last Updated
2026-04-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Supervised Pulmonary Rehabilitation
8-week, twice-daily programme supervised by a licensed physiotherapist. Components: (1) Postural drainage + diaphragmatic/thoracic breathing exercises (20 reps); (2) Manual bronchial clearance: percussion, vibration, shaking; (3) ACBT: breathing control → thoracic expansion exercises → forced expiration technique (huff); (4) Effective coughing manoeuvres; (5) Progressive resistance/strengthening exercises (upper and lower limbs); (6) Home aerobic walking: 20 min/day at Borg RPE 11-13/20. Session stopped if SpO2 \< 88%.
Home-Based Breathing Exercises
Patients in this group received breathing exercises and effective coughing techniques as part of a home-based rehabilitation program. The intervention included: Breathing exercises Effective coughing techniques Patients were instructed to perform these exercises twice daily at home for 8 weeks without physiotherapist supervision.
Locations (1)
Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Kavacik, Turkey (Türkiye)