Background: Sarcoidosis patients suffer from fatigue and exercise limitation. The aim of this study was to establish whether a physical training program improves these and other outcomes important to sarcoidosis patients.
Methods: From 11/2012 to 9/2014, 201 sarcoidosis patients were referred to the ild care expertise team, Ede, the Netherlands. In our center, all patients are routinely recommended to undergo testing at baseline to determine their physical functioning and encouraged to complete a 12-week, supervised physical training program. Ninety patients underwent baseline testing and returned for repeat testing at 3 months in the interim, 49 completed the training program (Group I) and 41 chose not to participate (Group II). Change over time (from baseline to 3 months) in fatigue, exercise capacity, and skeletal muscle strength were assessed between the two groups.
Results: At baseline, there were no between-group differences for fatigue, DLCO%, FVC%, or exercise capacity [assessed by percent predicted six-minute walk distance (6MWD%) and Steep Ramp Test (SRT)]. The 6MWD for Group I improved between baseline and 3 months, while the 6MWD remained the same in Group II (F = 72.2, p < 0.001). Group I showed a significantly larger decrease of fatigue compared with Group II (F = 6.27, p = 0.014). Lung function tests did not change in either group.
Conclusion: A supervised physical training program improves exercise capacity and fatigue among sarcoidosis patients and should be included in their management regimen.
Keywords: Exercise limitation; Physical training; Rehabilitation; Sarcoidosis.