Effect of Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity in People With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis- A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the common types of interstitial lung disease having high prevalence and mortality worldwide. As a result of patient-centred hindering factors of adherence to centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), home-based PR is an alternate mode of rehabilitating individuals with IPF. This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness of unsupervised home-based PR on functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with IPF. MethodsClinically stable, high resolution computed tomography and physician diagnosed IPF participants having modified Medical Research Council score below five will be considered for the systematic review. Studies involving home-based PR as an intervention to treat individuals with IPF will be considered. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised studies (with two groups followed-up) are eligible to be included. Outcomes of our interest are functional capacity (6-minute walk distance, shuttle walk test and incremental shuttle walk test) and secondary outcome measure would include assessment of quality of life and adverse effects of intervention. Electronic databases such as SCOPUS, Medline (PubMed and Web of Science), PEDRo and CINAHL will be searched using database specific terms. Additionally, forward and backward citations of included studies will be searched to identify potential records. Two review authors, independently, will conduct the screening, data extraction using a customised standard tool, and critical appraisal using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool of included studies. If data permits, meta-analysis will be conducted. In case of substantial heterogeneity, we will do a narrative synthesis. Subgroup analysis will be undertaken based on various contextual and interventional factors. DiscussionThis systematic review will guide the physiotherapists and individuals with IPF on the effectiveness of unsupervised home-based PR that might support and promote participation in PR for better living.Systematic review registrationProtocol has been registered on PROSPERO CRD42020213883.