Guideline of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Authors

Chia-Ho Lin, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Seong-Woong Kang, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Ming-Lung Chuang, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Pin-Kuei Fu, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Chin-Ming Chen, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
Ko-Long Lin, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Ssu-Yuan Chen, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Li-Wei Chou, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Kuan-Cheng Chen, Kangze Rehabilitation Clinic, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Yuan-Yang Cheng, Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a group of chronic respiratory disorders characterized by pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, often resulting in dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and reduced quality of life. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective in managing these symptoms, no guideline has comprehensively summarized its principles, components, and supporting evidence in ILD. This guideline provides an evidence-based framework for designing and implementing PR tailored to ILD patients. Core recommendations include individualized exercise prescription following the FITT principle, aerobic and resistance training, breathing exercises, supplemental oxygen use, and disease-specific self-management strategies. The guideline also presents validated assessment tools to aid clinical application and addresses the utility of telerehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation serves as a vital nonpharmacological approach to improve function, relieve breathlessness, and enhance quality of life in ILD patients.

Recommended Citation

Lin, Chia-Ho; Kang, Seong-Woong; Chuang, Ming-Lung; Fu, Pin-Kuei; Chen, Chin-Ming; Lin, Ko-Long; Chen, Ssu-Yuan; Chou, Li-Wei; Chen, Kuan-Cheng; and Cheng, Yuan-Yang (2025) "Guideline of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 2025: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/3005-3846.2264
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2025/iss2/5