Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to various diseases that occur idiopathic or secondary to some causes, commonly affecting the lung parenchyma, and present with varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progressing with progressive shortness of breath causes a decrease in exercise capacity and quality of life, restrictive changes in pulmonary function tests and a decrease in diffusion capacity. It has been reported that core stabilization exercises improve respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in healthy individuals and some disease groups. It has also been reported that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to lower extremity, upper extremity and back or quadriceps muscles reduces dynamic hyperinflation and dyspnea during exercise and increases exercise capacity in COPD patients.No studies have been performed using core stabilization exercises and NMES in IPF patients. It can be assumed that this therapeutic intervention may also be useful in IPF. Our study was planned to investigate the efficacy of core stabilization exercises and NMES in patients with IPF.