Optimizing home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with bronchiectasis: a multicenter study

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) at home is an advantageous strategy to overcome the barriers of non-adherence to PR programs conducted in outpatients, but has been underutilized worldwide. It is crucial to have PR protocols in which the evaluation and physical training can be carried out in full in the patient's home, and that interventions be focused on individual patient needs. Aim: To optimize the home-based PR model by combining key elements of programs developed in Brazil and Australia: an aerobic training protocol (Brazil) and a patient - centered educational and behavioral modification component (Australia) to improve exercise tolerance and physical activity in daily life. A multicenter study (Brazil and Australia), with a single group of patients (n = 36) with bronchiectasis. The program will be held three times/week for eight weeks. Patients will perform incremental step test for the establishment of the workload of aerobic training (step training). The resistance training will be held for upper and lower limbs with elastic bands (3 sets of 8 repetitions). The behavioral change intervention will use motivational interviewing techniques to assist participants to identify their motivation for change and move towards commitment and action. Before and immediately after eight weeks of intervention, patients will be assessed for functional capacity (six-minute walk test), physical activity in daily life (accelerometer) and peripheral muscle strength (1-maximum repetition). (AU)