Pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance interventions: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To examine existing research on pulmonary exercise rehabilitation (PR) maintenance interventions.

Methods: Authors conducted a systematic review of PR maintenance interventions. The primary outcome of interest was physical endurance.

Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Most showed initial positive intervention effects, which declined to non-significance within 3-12 months after completion of maintenance. Only one of the 8 studies described a theoretical framework underlying the maintenance intervention.

Conclusions: Existing interventions generally fail to maintain benefits derived from PR programs. Future studies should evaluate maintenance interventions that are theoretically-based and seek to impact known maintenance mediators. Evaluation of these interventions should include substantial follow-up periods and adherence measurements.