Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among Asian Indians- Current Status and Moving Forward

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant public health concern in India with high prevalence and associated disability, morbidity, mortality. The progression of COPD is not confined to the lungs but includes extrapulmonary involvement that reduces the functional capacity and quality of life. Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based intervention, targeting multiple domains of pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, and therefore, is recommended as an integral part of COPD management. The practical implementation of PR in India is poor. In this review, we have summarized the latest pieces of evidence in support of PR and highlight the challenges and potential solutions for PR implementation in India.

Keywords: Exercise; functional capacity; sarcopenia; skeletal muscle dysfunction; tele-rehabilitation.