Pulmonary Rehabilitation Effects on Function, Breathing, and Blood Flow in People 65 and Older with Respiratory Diseases at the Wieliczka Salt Mine

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how a rehabilitation and treatment stay at the underground Health Resort of the Wieliczka Salt Mine affects elderly individuals aged 65 and older who have chronic respiratory diseases. This prospective, experimental study with a controlled crossover design aims to assess changes in functional capacity, respiratory parameters, and the flow properties of blood in these participants. The study involves a 3-week rehabilitation and therapeutic stay in the underground salt chambers, where participants receive daily 2.5-hour pulmonary rehabilitation sessions supervised by a doctor, physiotherapist, and nurse. Before the stay, participants undergo qualifying tests, including functional fitness and respiratory assessments, and blood rheology tests are performed at four time points three weeks before, immediately before, right after the stay, and three months after completion. Participants will be monitored through various tests such as respiratory muscle strength measurements, walking and gait speed tests, blood markers including interleukins and blood cell counts, and quality of life questionnaires. The study also includes assessments of chest mobility and blood inflammation markers. Follow-up evaluations will continue up to 18 months to observe longer-term effects of the rehabilitation program.

Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Salt Chambers on Functional Efficiency, Respiratory Parameters, and Blood Rheology in Elderly With Respiratory Diseases.