Chronic lung diseases (CLDs) such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia significantly impact pediatric patients' respiratory function and overall well-being. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been shown to improve lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in affected individuals. However, limited research has been conducted on PR implementation in Egypt.
Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances respiratory function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in pediatric patients with CLDs while reducing healthcare utilization. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating structured PR programs into pediatric respiratory care in Egypt.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
400
standard medical care
structured pulmonary rehabilitation program including: * Physical Therapy: Breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, inspiratory muscle training. * Pediatrics \& Chest Medicine: Medical supervision, optimization of pharmacological treatment. * Physiology: Monitoring pulmonary function and physiological responses to exercise. * Public Health: Evaluating program feasibility and its impact on healthcare utilization.
Out-patient Clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Horus University
Damietta, Egypt
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second
FEV₁ is the volume of air that a person can forcefully exhale in the first second of a forced breath after taking a deep inhalation. Interpretation of FEV₁: ≥80% of predicted → Normal 60-79% of predicted → Mild obstruction 40-59% of predicted → Moderate obstruction \<40% of predicted → Severe obstruction
Time frame: at basline and after 12-weeks of intervention
Forced Vital Capacity
FVC is the total volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after taking the deepest possible breath. Normal Values: Typically ≥80% of the predicted value. Obstructive Lung Disease: FVC may be normal or slightly reduced. Restrictive Lung Disease: FVC is significantly reduced due to decreased lung compliance or lung volume.
Time frame: at basline and after 12-weeks of intervention
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
PEFR is the maximum speed of expiration achieved after full lung inflation. It is measured in liters per minute (L/min). ormal values depend on age, sex, and height: Adult males: 450-700 L/min Adult females: 300-500 L/min Reduced PEFR: Suggests airway obstruction, such as in asthma or COPD.
Time frame: at basline and after 12-weeks of intervention
Hospitalization Frequency
Hospitalization frequency refers to the number of times a patient is admitted to a hospital due to disease exacerbation, complications, or treatment failure. Number of hospital admissions within a specific time frame (e.g., per year). Length of hospital stay (days per admission). Emergency department visits requiring inpatient care.
Time frame: at basline and after 12-weeks of intervention
Medication Dependency
Medication dependency refers to the extent to which a patient relies on pharmacological treatment to manage symptoms and maintain functional health. Frequency and dosage of medication use. Number of rescue medication uses (e.g., bronchodilators in asthma). Reduction or discontinuation of medication over time.
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Time frame: at basline and after 12-weeks of intervention
Parental Satisfaction with Treatment
Parental satisfaction refers to how parents perceive the effectiveness, convenience, and overall impact of their child's treatment plan. Standardized satisfaction surveys (e.g., Likert scale questionnaires). Interviews or focus groups with parents. Feedback on treatment effectiveness, side effects, accessibility, and ease of use.
Time frame: at basline and after 12-weeks of intervention