Effects of Upper Extremity Aerobic Exercise Training in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease

Severe dyspnea, cough, fatigue, restrictive type ventilation disorder, decreased pulmonary function, impaired gas exchange, decreased cardiovascular function and exercise intolerance are frequently encountered findings in patients with interstitial lung disease. It was demonstrated exercise training has beneficial effects in patients with interstitial lung disease. However, no study investigated the effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training on outcomes in patients with interstitial lung disease.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with ILD according to ATS/ERS criteria, * Aged between 18-75 years, * No pulmonary infection during the last month, * Patients who volunteer to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Patients with, * Body mass index \>35 kg/m2, * An acute pulmonary exacerbation within the last 4 weeks, have an acute upper or lower respiratory tract infection, * Presence of obstructive pulmonary disease, * Serious neurological, neuromuscular, orthopedic, or other diseases affecting physical functions, * Participated in a planned exercise program within the last three months, * Cognitive impairment that causes them to have difficulty understanding and following exercise test instructions, * Contraindications for exercise testing and/or exercise training according to the American College of Sports Medicine * Cancer, renal or hepatic diseases, * Aortic stenosis, complex arrhythmia, with aortic aneurysm, * Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, arrhythmia and serious cardiovascular disease