Comparison of traditional and telerehabilitation based pulmonary rehabilitation program gains in fibrosing interstitial lung patients

<bold>Background:</bold> Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases (F-ILDs) includes interstitial lung diseases that develop fibrosis in the lungs, affecting physical function and mortality rates. The ideal pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in these patients is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different PR exercise program approaches in patients with F-ILDs. <bold>Methods:</bold> The study is a randomized controlled trial that involved 75 F-ILDs cases equally divided into three groups: hospital outpatient supervised (HGr), synchronized online (OGr), and video-based (VGr). An 8-week regimen integrating aerobic and resistance training was administered. The study outcomes were six minute walkng test, maksimum inspiratory pressure, forces vital capacity, physical activity level, quality of life. <bold>Results:</bold> Within-group analysis showed increased 6MWD for HGr and VGr, increased MIP for OGr and VGr, and increased FVC (L) only for HGr. All groups showed improved physical activity level and quality of life. Muscle strength increased significantly more in HGr and VGr. No statistically significant differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Different PR approaches yield varying benefits on specific clinical outcomes. PR methods are separately effective in different fields to varying degrees, and when three methods are compared, there is no difference between them. Tele-rehabilitation-based PR approaches are as effective as conventional PR in patients with F-ILDs.