Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a set of pathologies that result in fibrosis, impaired gas exchange, and functional limitations. Individuals with ILD have a reduced level of physical activity due to dyspnea and fatigue. Evaluating the Human Activity Profile (HAP) is essential for understanding the impact of the disease on functionality and physical activity levels and thus guiding better physiotherapeutic interventions.

To evaluate functional capacity and physical activity levels in individuals with ILD using HAP questionnaire.

This is a preliminary cross-sectional multicenter study, part of a larger project approved by the research ethics committee conducted with volunteers diagnosed with ILD. After collecting anthropometric data, the participants were assessed using the HAP, the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) according to the standards of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the measurement of muscle strength using the Jamar hydraulic dynamometer. The HAP was analyzed using a questionnaire made up of 94 components which analyzed the level of physical activity and functionality, based on the variables Maximum Activity Score (MAS) and Adjusted Activity Score (AAS). The MAS corresponds to the numbering of the activity with the highest oxygen demand that the individual “still does,” reflecting the highest level of metabolic effort achieved. The AAS represents the average levels of metabolic equivalents (METs) spent on a typical day, allowing an estimate of daily energy consumption based on the activities performed. Participants were classified as inactive (score < 53), moderately active (53-74), or active (> 74).

The sample consisted of 13 volunteers, 7 (53.8%) of whom were male, with an average age of 55.82 ± 13.84 years, 5 (38.5%) were overweight, and 7 (53.8%) were self-declared as brown. The majority, 7 (53.8%), had finished high school. In addition, post-COVID fibrosis was the most prevalent condition found in 4 (30.8%) volunteers. In the HAP, 9 (69.2%) were classified as “inactive” and only 4 (30.8%) as “moderately active”. The average distance covered in the 6MWT was 394m, suggesting a reduction in functional capacity since reference values for healthy individuals generally exceed 500m. The mean of muscle strength was 34.38 KgF, which is above the predicted value for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is approximately 28.0 KgF, suggesting that the participants maintain a reasonable level of peripheral muscle strength.

Individuals with ILD exhibit reduced physical activity levels and impaired functional capacity, despite preserved muscle strength. These findings highlight the need for interventions to mitigate functional decline.

The results underscore the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and individualized exercise programs to enhance physical activity and quality of life in individuals with ILD.