Pulmonary rehabilitation for respiratory disorders other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an important therapeutic intervention that should no longer be considered suitable only for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A strong rationale exists for providing PR to persons with a broad range of respiratory disorders other than COPD. Evidence shows that PR for these patients is feasible, safe and effective. A disease-relevant approach should be undertaken, based on individual patients' needs. Further research is needed to better understand the optimal program content, duration and outcomes measures, to enable diverse patients to achieve maximal benefits of PR.

Keywords: Asthma; Cystic fibrosis; Dyspnea; Exercise training; Interstitial lung disease; Lung cancer; Pulmonary hypertension; Pulmonary rehabilitation; Quality of life.