Dyspnea (i.e. breathlessness) and exercise intolerance are common symptoms for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), yet it is not known why. It has been suggested that muscle dysfunction may contribute to dyspnea and exercise intolerance in ILD. Our study aims to: i) examine differences in the structure and function of the leg muscles in ILD patients, ii) determine if leg muscle fatigue contributes to dyspnea and exercise limitation in patients with ILD, and iii) determine the effects of breathing extra oxygen on leg muscle fatigue, as well as ability to exercise in ILD patients.
Age 40-80 years (inclusive)
A multidisciplinary diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), idiopathic fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), or unclassifiable ILD with a differential diagnosis that consists of the above diagnoses
Fibrosis on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT): honeycombing, reticulation, or traction bronchiectasis
Appropriate candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation
Contraindication to exercise testing (e.g. significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological disease)
Other significant extra-pulmonary disease that, based on clinical assessment, could impair exercise capacity and/or oxygenation
Forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 50% or Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) less than 25%
Concurrent or recent participation (less than 6 months) in a pulmonary rehabilitation program