The Benefits of Home Exercise in Pulmonary Hypertension Interstitial Lung Disease

Cardiac Effort is measured as the ratio of the total number of heart beats recorded during the Six Minute Walk Test to the total distance walked in meters. Heart rate is continuously monitored during the test using a validated heart rate monitoring device. The value represents the number of heart beats required per unit distance walked (beats per meter). Individual participant values are calculated at baseline and at 16 weeks. The outcome is defined as the mean change in Cardiac Effort from baseline to 16 weeks across participants. Lower values indicate improved cardiac efficiency and better functional performance, while higher values indicate reduced efficiency and worse functional status.

Six Minute Walk Distance is measured using the standardized Six Minute Walk Test according to established clinical guidelines. The total distance walked in meters during six minutes is recorded for each participant. Individual participant values are collected at baseline and at 16 weeks. The outcome is defined as the mean change in distance walked from baseline to 16 weeks across participants. Higher values indicate improved functional capacity, while lower values indicate reduced exercise tolerance.

Quality of life is measured using the emPHasis-10 questionnaire, a validated patient reported outcome instrument specific to pulmonary hypertension. The questionnaire consists of 10 items assessing symptoms and impact on daily life. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating worse health related quality of life. Individual participant scores are calculated by summing item responses. The outcome is defined as the mean change in total score from baseline to 16 weeks across participants.

Quality of life is measured using the King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire, a validated instrument assessing health status in interstitial lung disease. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status. Individual participant scores are calculated according to standard scoring procedures. The outcome is defined as the mean change in score from baseline to 16 weeks across participants.

Muscle strength is measured using a Lafayette Muscle Dynamometer for quadriceps strength and a Jamar Hand Dynamometer for hand grip strength. Measurements are recorded in pounds (lbs) for each participant. Individual participant values are obtained at baseline and at 16 weeks. The outcome is defined as the mean change in muscle strength from baseline to 16 weeks across participants. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength, while lower values indicate reduced strength.

Healthcare utilization events include unplanned medical visits such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and clinic visits occurring during the study period. Events are collected through participant self report and study follow up. The outcome is defined as the number of participants experiencing at least one healthcare utilization event during the study period.

Falls are defined as any unintentional event resulting in a participant coming to rest on the ground or a lower level. Falls are self reported by participants during weekly check-ins throughout the study period. The outcome is defined as the number of participants experiencing at least one fall during the study period.