JAMA Netw Open

Do patients need a gym for effective pulmonary rehab?

August 18, 2025

Study details: This assessor- and statistician-blinded, noninferiority randomized trial enrolled 436 adults (median age, 72 years; 55% male) with chronic respiratory disease referred for outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in northwest London. Participants were randomized to either a minimal equipment PR program (PR-min) or a specialist gym equipment program (PR-gym), each consisting of two supervised sessions per week for eight weeks. PR-min used walking circuits, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands, while PR-gym included treadmills, cycle ergometers, and weight machines. Primary outcome: change in incremental shuttle walk (ISW) distance. Secondary outcomes: dyspnea, health-related quality of life, costs, and adverse events.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in ISW distance, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life. The 1.7 m difference in ISW distance between PR-min and PR-gym was within the predefined noninferiority margin (−24 m), confirming PR-min’s noninferiority. No excess adverse events or costs were reported.

Clinical impact: Minimal equipment PR is a clinically effective alternative to gym-based programs and may expand access in community and resource-limited settings without compromising outcomes.

Source:

Nolan CM, et al. (2025, August 12). JAMA Netw Open. Minimal vs Specialized Exercise Equipment for Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40794408/