Objective:To evaluate the effects of massive whole-lung lavage on pulmonary function and six-minute walk distance in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. Methods:Twenty-nine patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis were recruited. Pulmonary function tests and six-minute walk test were completed before and 2 weeks after massive whole-lung lavage respectively,and the symptoms were recorded. Results:Following massive whole-lung lavage,dyspnea and chest tightness were alleviated significantly,but no remarkable change was found in cough and sputum. Baseline pulmonary function testing identified 17 patients with damage of small airway or obstructive ventilation dysfunction. Compared with parameters before massive whole-lung lavage,maximal ventilatory volume (MVV) and six-minute walk distance were significantly improved [(96.8±14.1)% vs (91.2±15.2)%;(448.8±60.7)m vs (422.6±46.2)m],and total lung capacity (TLC) was significantly reduced [(119.4%±15.0)% vs (115.8±14.7)%,P < 0.05]. Conclusion:This study indicated that massive whole-lung lavage can improve symptoms,pulmonary function,exercise tolerance and life quality in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.