Purpose: This study investigated the effects of an exercise program on functional capacity and quality of life in patients with stage 3 and stage 4 sarcoidosis.
Methods: Eighteen patients with stage 3 and 4 sarcoidosis were recruited; 9 received 12 wk of supervised exercise training and 9 received usual care. Patients underwent the following evaluations at baseline and follow-up: 6-min walk test, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure tests, back and leg dynamometer test, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, St George Respiratory Questionnaire, Short Form-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire, body plethysmography, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity test, and blood gas analysis.
Results: The median (interquartile range) increase in 6-min walk distance in the intervention group was 40 (31-62) m. Improvement in functional capacity; perception of dyspnea; fatigue; anxiety; peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength; partial arterial oxygen pressure; arterial oxygen saturation; and the symptom, activity, and total scores of the St George Respiratory Questionnaire were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the usual care group at follow-up (P < .05).
Conclusions: Exercise training improves functional capacity, muscle strength, dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety, fatigue, and oxygenation in patients with stage 3 and stage 4 sarcoidosis. Standard treatment of patients with late-stage sarcoidosis should integrate exercise training and pulmonary rehabilitation.