Pulmonary rehabilitation. Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR)

Arch Bronconeumol. 2014 Aug;50(8):332-44. doi: 10.1016/j.arbres.2014.02.014. Epub 2014 May 17.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been shown to improve dyspnea, exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PR has also shown benefits in diseases other than COPD but the level of evidence is lower. The fundamental components of PR programs are muscle training, education and chest physiotherapy. Occupational therapy, psychosocial support and nutritional intervention should also be considered. Home programs have been shown to be as effective as hospital therapy. The duration of rehabilitation programs should not be less than 8 weeks or 20 sessions. Early initiation of PR, even during exacerbations, has proven safe and effective. The use of oxygen or noninvasive ventilation during training is controversial and dependent on the patient's situation. At present, the best strategy for maintaining the benefits of PR in the long term is unknown. Longer PR programs or telemedicine could play a key role in extending the results obtained.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Diseases other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica; Enfermedades distintas de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica; Entrenamiento muscular; Exacerbaciones; Exacerbations; Location and duration of the programs; Maintenance; Mantenimiento; Muscle training; Rehabilitación respiratoria; Respiratory therapy; Ubicación y duración de los programas.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Breathing Exercises
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Exercise
  • Home Care Services
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / rehabilitation
  • Lung Neoplasms / rehabilitation
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Nutritional Support
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / diet therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / complications
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / rehabilitation*
  • Relaxation Therapy
  • Resistance Training
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Social Support