Table 3. Between-group difference before and after the intervention in the two groups.
| Variables | Between-group difference* or Z value& | P |
|---|---|---|
| FEV1 (L)* | 0.002 (−0.03 to 0.02) | 0.888 |
| FVC (L)* | 0.01 (−0.03 to 0.06) | 0.562 |
| Dlco (mL/min/mmHg)* | −0.3 (−1.0 to 0.4) | 0.337 |
| PFE (L/min)* | 10.1 (−7.2 to 27.5) | 0.250 |
| 6-MWD (m)* | 19.9 (6.7 to 33.2) | 0.004 |
| Index of fatigue after 6-MWT& | 0.686 | 0.493 |
| Index of dyspnea after 6-MWT& | 1.179 | 0.239 |
| QOL evaluation | ||
| Global QOL& | 0.409 | 0.683 |
| Physical function& | 1.447 | 0.148 |
| Emotional function& | 3.363 | 0.001 |
| Blood gas analysis | ||
| PO2 (mmHg)& | 1.896 | 0.058 |
| PCO2(mmHg)& | 1.632 | 0.106 |
| SaO2 (%)& | 1.928 | 0.054 |
*, for normal distribution variables, between-group difference was presented as mean difference (95% CI). &, for non-normal distribution variables, Z value of Mann-Whitney test was listed in the column. CI, confidence interval; PEF, peak expiratory flow; 6-MWD, 6-min walk distance; 6-MWT, 6-min walk test; PO2, partial pressure of oxygen; PCO2, partial pressure of carbon dioxide; SaO2, arterial oxygen saturation; QOL, quality of life; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC, forced vital capacity; Dlco, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of the lung.