Pulmonary rehabilitation reduces fatigue in COPD: a responder analysis

Authors :: Jan H. Vercoulen
Zjala Ebadi
Yvonne M J Goërtz
Jeanine Antons
M. A. G. Sprangers
Arnold Coors
Daisy J.A. Janssen
Judith B. Prins
Melissa S. Y. Thong
Emiel F.M. Wouters
Jacqueline Otker
Martijn A. Spruit
Jean W M Muris
Chris Burtin
Jeannette B. Peters
Maarten Van Herck
Source :: Physiotherapists.
Publication Year :: 2019
Publisher :: European Respiratory Society, 2019.
Abstract: Background: Only few studies have investigated the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on fatigue in COPD. To date, it remains unknown which patients have a clinically relevant improvement in fatigue following PR. Purpose of this study was to identify these responders. Methods: Demographics, lung function, mood status (SCL90-A and BDI-PC), exercise tolerance (6MWD), and health status (NCSI) were assessed before and after a 12-week PR program at Dekkerswald Radboudumc (Nijmegen, The Netherlands). Fatigue was assessed using the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS)-Fatigue. Patients with a decline ≥10 points (MCID) were defined as responders. Results: 446 COPD patients (61±9 years, 53% male, FEV1 43±18 %pred, 75% severe fatigue) completed the PR. 53% were identified as responders. Mean change in fatigue after PR (10±12 points, p Conclusions: PR reduces fatigue in COPD. Responders on fatigue have worse fatigue and HRQoL scores at baseline, and are likely to be responders on other outcomes in PR.