Abstract
Introduction: In PAH, strong evidence supports prescribed exercise to safely improve quality of life (QOL), haemodynamics and exercise capacity. Currently no dedicated PAH rehabilitation programme exists in the UK.
We sought to determine the acceptability of rehabilitation in our population, with the aim of developing a PAH specific exercise programme.
Methods: Patients attending the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit were invited to participate in a survey. Inclusion criteria: WHO Group 1, 4 and 5 disease; functional class I-III; 6 minute walk distance (6mwd) >150m.
A PAH rehabilitation programme was described. Patients were asked if they would be interested in all components, specific components or none, with a comments section.
Haemodynamic, functional and demographic factors were collected from routinely measured variables.
Results: 43% (97/224) responded. 62.8% (61/97) were interested in all components, 73.2% (71/97) in out-patient rehabilitation. Those interested were younger and trended towards worse QOL scores [Table 1], and were more likely to have IPAH.
Interested: Mean (SD) | Not interested: Mean (SD) | P | |
mPAP (mmHg) | 45 (12) | 44 (14) | NS |
Camphor | 26 (19) | 31 (18) | NS |
6MWD (m) | 348 (129) | 381 (111) | NS |
Age | 68 (13) | 56 (13) | 0.0008 |
Male | 51% (16/31) | 45% (27/60) | |
Oxygen therapy | 16% (5/32) | 5% (3/61) | |
Group 1 disease | 70.9% (39/55) | 66.7% (20/30) | |
Group 4 disease | 25.5% (14/55) | 30% (9/30) | |
Group 5 disease | 3.6% (2/55) | 3.3% (1/30) |
Conclusions: Exercise training in PAH is acceptable in our population. Based on free comments, barriers may be employment, a dependent family member, or other limiting comorbidities. We have demonstrated sufficient enthusiasm to pursue this as a promising treatment option in the UK.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015