Published Paper Details:

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a broad group of chronic lung disorders that cause symptoms like shortness of breath with exertion, fatigue, and a significant decline in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ILDs generally begin subtly with symptoms such as dry cough, breathlessness, and crackling sounds in the lungs. The progression of ILDs often linked to inflammation, fibrosis, and irregular wound-healing processes. Due to concerns about worsening lung function or breathlessness during exertion, many ILD patients tend to avoid physical activity, leading to reduced physical activity levels, which in turn heightens the risk of hospitalization and mortality. The restrictions on exercise in ILD patients are influenced by ventilatory limitations, impaired gas exchange, and muscle dysfunction. Methods: A brief literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate databases. The research was limited to articles published in English, and a total of 10 relevant trials were included in the review. Results: Exercise training has shown positive effects on ILD patients, including increased exercise capacity, reduced dyspnoea, and improved HRQoL. Studies demonstrate that both aerobic and resistance training can significantly enhance six-minute walk distance, reduce fatigue, and improve physical endurance in individuals with ILDs. Conclusion: Exercise training plays a clinically valuable role in managing ILDs, with substantial benefits for physical function and quality of life. Continued research is necessary to refine exercise interventions and better understand their long-term effects on disease outcomes in ILD patients.