Background
respiratory and peripheral muscle, breathlessness, ILD
INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad term used to describe a diverse group of pulmonary conditions that cause fibrotic changes in the lung interstitium with subsequent reduction in lung compliance and oxygen diffusion capacity.Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a non-pharmacological strategy that improves physical function and quality of lifeHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a modality characterised by intervals of high-intensity exercise followed by intervals of low intensity or rest.The aim of this pilot study was therefore to evaluate: (1) the feasibility of using HIIT in an ILD-PR programme; (2) determine the short-term and medium-term effects of HIIT on exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, breathlessness and health status; and (3) explore responses in different types of ILD.Some of the results of this study have been reported previously in abstract form.