Skeletal Muscle Function in Interstitial Lung Disease

This study examines skeletal muscle function and exercise capacity in people with interstitial lung disease (ILD) — a group of conditions that cause scarring of the lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe. Many ILD patients have severe exercise limitation, but it's unclear how much of this is due to the lungs versus weakness in the muscles themselves. By testing both lung and muscle function, researchers hope to understand the full picture of what limits exercise in this group. The study includes ILD patients aged 40–80 (specifically those with IPF, NSIP, chronic HP, or unclassifiable ILD) who are eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as healthy age-matched controls. Participants undergo lung function tests, exercise tests, and muscle assessments including MRI and biopsy. You may be eligible if: - You are between 40 and 80 years old - You have a confirmed diagnosis of IPF, NSIP, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or unclassifiable ILD - You are a suitable candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation - You can walk at least 50 meters and maintain acceptable oxygen levels at rest You may NOT be eligible if: - You have significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or neurological disease that impairs exercise - Your lung function is severely impaired (FVC under 50% or DLCO under 25%) - You recently completed pulmonary rehabilitation (within 6 months) - You are taking high-dose prednisone (over 10 mg/day for more than 2 weeks recently) - You have significant emphysema Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.