Exercise Training in Patients With Non-cystic Fibrosis (CF) Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis (non-CF bronchiectasis) is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by permanent dilatation of the airways arising from bronchial inflammation and infection. Predominant symptoms include daily productive cough, dyspnoea and generalised fatigue. This profile is associated with diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and reduced exercise tolerance.

Available medical treatments for bronchiectasis include antibiotic and inhalation therapy. To date, there is no evidence that these treatments can reduce the exacerbation rate or modify the rate of disease progression. While international guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation recommend the inclusion of patients with bronchiectasis, there is a deficiency in evidence supporting exercise training in this population. It is proposed that a standard exercise training program conducted according to Australian guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation will improve both exercise capacity, quality of life and reduce the number of acute infections in both the short and long term in people with bronchiectasis.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of bronchiectasis (HRCT)
• Stable medical status for last 4 weeks
• History of 2 exacerbations in the last 2 years
• Dysnpoea on exertion (Modified Medical Research Council score >1)

Exclusion criteria

• Concurrent diagnosis of COPD (physician diagnosis and history of 10 pack year smoking)
• Concurrent diagnosis of asthma (history of atopic disease and evidence of bronchodilator reversibility of 12% or 200ml in FEV1 or FVC)
• Concurrent diagnosis of Interstitial lung disease
• Concurrent diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis
• Medical condition which could place patient at risk during exercise training (angina, neurological or orthopaedic condition)
• Prior completion of pulmonary rehabilitation within the last 12 months