Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation after lung resection for cancer on patients' level of anxiety and depression

Introduction. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients undergoing lung resection for cancer remains controversial. We studied the effects of PR, its impact on quality of life and the level of anxiety and depression. Methods. In 2011 and 2012, PR was offered to all patients referred to our institution after lung resection for cancer. Patients were evaluated between admission and discharge by a 6 minutes walking test (6MWD), a Visual Analogue Pain Intensity Scale, a quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30) and by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The same questionnaires were mailed 6 months after completing PR. Results. Between early 2011 and late 2012, 133 patients were admitted to our institution following lung resection for cancer. Of these, 59 (44%) patients completed PR and returned their questionnaires 6 months after discharge. During PR of these 59 patients, the mean quality of life score increased from 56.3 to 65.9 (P < 0.05), the median anxiety score decreased from 5.5 to 4 (P < 0.05) and that of depression from 3 to 2 (P < 0.05). At 6 months post-discharge, the mean quality of life score remained stable at 66.3 (P=0.8), the median anxiety score reverted to 6 (P < 0.05) and the median depression score reverted to 4.5 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. This observational study during PR, showed that quality of life and the levels of anxiety and depression were improved at the end of the course. After returning home, the average quality of life score remained stable but the level of anxiety and depression increased. (C) 2014 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.