The effects of upper-extremity high-intensity interval exercise training on upper extremity functional exercise capacity dyspnea and quality of life in patients with interstitial lung diseases: a pilot study

<bold>Background and aim:</bold> Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) experience severe desaturation during physical activity. Lower limb exercise training frequently used in rehabilitation for patients who have impaired diffusion capacity may lead to significant desaturation, requiring high levels of oxygen support. No study investigated upper extremity exercise training in patients with ILD, yet. The study aimed to investigate the effects of upper-extremity high-intensity interval exercise training (UE-HIIT) in patients with ILD. <bold>Methods:</bold> A randomized, controlled, triple blinded study. Treatment group (TG (n=12, UE-HIIT) and control group (CG (n=11)) were compared. Pulmonary function, upper extremity functional exercise capacity (UEFEC) (6-minute peg-board and ring test (6-PBRT)), dyspnea (London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale(LCADL) and Quality of life (QoL) (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) were evaluated. <bold>Results:</bold> The 6-PBRT number of rings increased within the TG after UE-HIIT and there was a difference between groups (p<0.001,1-β=96%). There was also a significant difference in all parameters of St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and LCADL scores between TG and CG (p<0.001). No significant improvement was observed between groups in pulmonary function (p>0.05). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The UE-HIIT effectively improves UEFEC and QoL, decreases dyspnea in patients with ILD who are desaturated. Rehabilitation programs should include UE-HIIT that mainly focuses on small muscles and causes less desaturation, as the quadriceps, is not actively working and carried body weight.