Pulmonary rehabilitation

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-established evidence-based multidisciplinary programme of care for patients with symptomatic chronic respiratory impairment, targeting the extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease. The programme is individually tailored and should contain high-intensity progressive aerobic training, strength training, and self-management education. PR is probably the most cost-effective intervention for COPD. It interrupts the vicious cycle of dyspnoea leading to inactivity, subsequent deconditioning, and further worsening dyspnoea on more minimal exertion.