RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-06-23DOI: 10.1055/a-2619-1313
Matthias Bethge, Pia Zollmann, Richard Albers, Bernhard Greitemann, Marco Streibelt
{"title":"[Work Participation after Medical Rehabilitation of People with Musculoskeletal Diseases: Representative Analyses Using Routine Data of the German Pension Insurance].","authors":"Matthias Bethge, Pia Zollmann, Richard Albers, Bernhard Greitemann, Marco Streibelt","doi":"10.1055/a-2619-1313","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2619-1313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>We analyzed how people with musculoskeletal disorder who completed a rehabilitation program of the German Pension Insurance can be described before medical rehabilitation, how often work participation succeeds thereafter and which administratively available information is associated with work participation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the German Pension Insurance's rehabilitation statistics database. Patients with a musculoskeletal disorder who had completed medical rehabilitation in 2017 were included. The analyses were carried out for the group as a whole and stratified by diagnosis group. Work participation was conceptualized both via a monthly status variable up to 24 months after rehabilitation and as a rate of all persons who were employed 12 or 24 months after rehabilitation and the three preceding months. Multiple logistic regression models with stepwise inclusion were calculated to analyze the factors influencing stable work participation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis included 335,792 completed orthopaedic rehabilitations. Two years after the end of rehabilitation, 66.2% of the patients achieved stable work participation. The most relevant factors influencing stable employment were the duration of sickness absence and the income from employment subject to social insurance contributions before the start of rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One and two years after completing orthopaedic rehabilitation, around seven out of ten patients are in stable employment. Due to their prognostic validity, the influencing factors identified can be used to determine needs and allocate patients to work-related medical rehabilitation, graded return-to-work and, if necessary, other services for participation in working life.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"124-134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1055/a-2733-7180
Jürgen Höder
{"title":"[Has Back Pain Rehabilitation in Germany Improved Since 1990? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses and Meta-Regressions].","authors":"Jürgen Höder","doi":"10.1055/a-2733-7180","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2733-7180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine whether rehabilitation outcomes for back pain, operationalized as pre-post changes, in Germany have improved since 1990 and whether they have reached clinically relevant thresholds.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Studies reporting changes in pain intensity, depression, catastrophizing, vitality, functional capacity, and days of incapacity for work across at least two measurement points were included. Meta-analyses using standardized mean differences were performed according to the random-effects model, distinguishing between short-, medium-, and long-term effects. Additionally, mean differences were standardized to the scale widths of the respective instruments and combined meta-analytically. A threshold of 15% of the scale width was used to define clinically relevant change. Subgroup analyses explored whether studies published after 2004 demonstrated better rehabilitation outcomes than earlier studies. Meta-regressions with publication year as a moderator variable pursued a similar aim.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 80 studies involving 19,844 participants were included, of which 57% were controlled studies and 5 used usual care as the control group. Meta-analyses showed mild to moderate improvements with high heterogeneity and medium study quality, but - except for a short-term increase in vitality - without achieving clinical relevance. More recent studies reported significantly better short-term improvements in functional capacity compared to older studies (0.21 vs. 0.38, p=0.014). Meta-regressions confirmed this finding. The heterogeneity of the results was considerable and could not be explained by characteristics of the studies, such as baseline status, the age of participants, or the number of study centres. The inconsistency introduces substantial uncertainty into the findings. Furthermore, it points to a deficiency in the uniformity of rehabilitation delivery.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite substantial efforts to enhance structural and procedural quality, there is no evidence that the effectiveness of back pain rehabilitation in Germany has improved beyond marginal levels since 1990. Outcomes remain predominantly below the threshold of clinical relevance. There is a persistent lack of robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the absolute effectiveness of these programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"84-92"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1055/a-2705-1734
Franziska Carow, Luka Marko Rašo, Matthias Bethge
{"title":"[Inclusive University (InUni): A cross-sectional study on the work-related inclusion experience of university employees with impairment].","authors":"Franziska Carow, Luka Marko Rašo, Matthias Bethge","doi":"10.1055/a-2705-1734","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2705-1734","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine work-related inclusion experiences of employees at a university and to explore potential influences on the inclusion experiences of employees with impairment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a cross-sectional online survey, 199 employees were questioned about their work-related experience of inclusion using the perceived group inclusion scale. Two linear regression models were used, firstly to analyse differences between the experience of inclusion of employees with and without impairment and secondly to investigate the relationship between potential influences and the experience of inclusion among people with impairment. In addition, a qualitative content analysis on challenges and suggestions for improvement was carried out.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The experience of inclusion at work (1 to 5 points) was significantly poorer among employees with impairments (n=74) than among employees without impairments (n=125; b=- 0.35; 95% CI: - 0.58 to - 0.11; p=0.004). A visual impairment was significantly associated with a poorer experience of inclusion (b=- 0.57, 95% CI: - 1.05; - 0.10). Employees for whom social support was important had a poorer experience of inclusion (b=- 0.98, 95% CI: - 1.61; - 0.34). Employees with a recognised degree of disability below 50 had better experience of inclusion (b=0.75, 95% CI: 0.19; 1.31) than employees without a recognised degree of disability. Employees who were more open about their impairment had a better experience of inclusion (b=0.13, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.21). Employees with impairment were not fully acquainted with available services. Challenges and suggestions for improvement relate to infra- and organisational structures and social interaction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Employees with impairments had a significantly lower experience of inclusion in our sample. We were able to identify some characteristics that may be associated with the experience of inclusion. Our results do not allow conclusions to be drawn about causal relationships and cannot be generalised. However, our study suggests several practical approaches for improving the experience of inclusion of people with impairment in the university work context.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"93-103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1055/a-2705-1784
Verena Hartung, Alexander Tallner, Matthias Limbach, Konrad Schultz, Klaus Pfeifer
{"title":"[Evaluation of an app-based rehabilitation aftercare program focusing on physical activity promotion for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Results of a pilot study].","authors":"Verena Hartung, Alexander Tallner, Matthias Limbach, Konrad Schultz, Klaus Pfeifer","doi":"10.1055/a-2705-1784","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2705-1784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate an app-based follow-up care program for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) post-rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>After a 3-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, a 12-week app-based follow-up care program was conducted. The app-based program was based on the model of physical activity-related health competence. The core components were: (1) personalized endurance and resistance training plans, (2) activity monitors for self-monitoring, (3) e-learning modules, and (4) 1:1 coaching by sports therapists and physiotherapists of the rehabilitation clinic. The following outcomes were assessed with questionnaires at the start and the end of rehabilitation as well as after follow-up care: COPD Assessment Test, quality of life, depression, anxiety, fatigue, key symptoms of COPD, pain, sport-/exercise-related activities, leisure-time/transportation physical activity, physical activity-related health competence, and experiences with the follow-up care. An exploratory analysis examined changes in outcomes during rehabilitation and follow-up care (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, α<0.05). Experiences with the follow-up care were analyzed descriptively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>42 participants (age: M=57.5; SD=5.6; BMI: M=29.1; SD=6.5; GOLD stage 1/2/3/4: 2.4%/50.0%/38.1%/9.5%) provided data at all measurement time points. Except for leisure-time/transportation physical activity and partnership-related anxiety, the outcomes improved significantly during rehabilitation. Exercise-induced dyspnea (d=-0.45) as well as the sub-competencies of physical activity-related health competence (movement competence: d=-0.69; control competence: d=-0.68; self-regulation competence: d=-0.80) showed further improvements during follow-up care. Sport- and exercise-related activity (d=-1.28) and sputum quantity (d=-0.64) improved during rehabilitation, but deteriorated during follow-up care (sport-/exercise related activity: d=-0.52; sputum quantity: d=-0.55). However, the values of sport- and exercise-related activity after follow-up care were higher than at the beginning of rehabilitation (d=-0.65). App-usability and the atmosphere during aftercare were high.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation were maintained or further improved in most outcomes over the course of the app-based intervention. These findings provide initial indications of the efficacy of the developed app-based follow-up care program.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"104-113"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145946607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-03-24DOI: 10.1055/a-2799-0046
Jennifer Marie Burchardi, Marie Utsch, Judith Stumm, Martin Brünger
{"title":"[Feasibility and benefits of a check-up 45+for identifying rehabilitation and disease prevention needs in primary care - A multiperspective qualitative study].","authors":"Jennifer Marie Burchardi, Marie Utsch, Judith Stumm, Martin Brünger","doi":"10.1055/a-2799-0046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2799-0046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This qualitative study examines the feasibility, benefits, and implementability of a check-up 45+in primary care from the perspective of general practices, patients, and employees of the German Pension Insurance. This study complements a randomized controlled trial that examined the effectiveness of the check-up 45+to identify rehabilitation or disease prevention needs at an early stage and simplify the rehabilitation application process.Guided interviews were conducted with 13 general practitioners, ten medical professionals, eleven patients, and four employees of the German Pension Insurance. The interviews were conducted in person or by telephone/video and were evaluated using content-structuring qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.General practitioners assessed the implementation of the check-up 45+in their daily practice as practical and time-efficient. There was strong interest in identifying needs at an earlier stage. Both practice staff and patients were made more aware of the issues of prevention and rehabilitation. In particular, more information was found to be needed about the prevention services offered by the German Pension Insurance. Acceptance of the check-up 45+among patients was high; they particularly appreciated the fact that it was carried out in a familiar environment. Employees of the German Pension Insurance rated the usefulness of the check-up 45+as high in principle for attracting people with a need for rehabilitation or prevention services. In contrast, the modified rehabilitation application procedure tested in the study received mixed evaluations.From the perspective of all stakeholders, the check-up 45+is a feasible and time-efficient procedure for the early and structured identification of rehabilitation and prevention needs in primary care. Its acceptance and perceived benefit are generally considered to be high. The check-up 45+supports general practitioners in addressing the issues of rehabilitation and prevention more systematically and in facilitating needs-based access to rehabilitation and prevention services. While simplification of the rehabilitation application process is welcomed in principle, it requires careful consideration and design.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147516786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-03-19DOI: 10.1055/a-2800-4194
Christoph Paul Klapproth, Claudia Hartmann, Alexander Obbarius, Volker Köllner, Susanne Weinbrenner, Thomas Lang, Eric Therstappen, Matthias Rose
{"title":"[Implementation of the \"Reha-Toolbox\": Longitudinal Routine Collection of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) in Rehabilitation - A Feasibility Study].","authors":"Christoph Paul Klapproth, Claudia Hartmann, Alexander Obbarius, Volker Köllner, Susanne Weinbrenner, Thomas Lang, Eric Therstappen, Matthias Rose","doi":"10.1055/a-2800-4194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2800-4194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the German Pension Fund (DRV), patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are a key indicator of the success of rehabilitation measures. The \"Reha Toolbox\" provides a modular instrument for cardiology, orthopaedics, and psychosomatic medicine that enables cross-sectoral and international comparisons. For routine implementation, acceptability among rehabilitants is crucial. The aim of this study was, therefore, to examine acceptability and to identify factors associated with participation in the PROM assessments.PROMs were collected at four time points: upon receipt of the rehabilitation approval (T0), at admission (T1), at discharge (T2), and 6 months after discharge (T3). Response rates were analysed descriptively. The dataset was divided into responders and non-responders at T2 and T3, respectively. Univariate differences between responders and non-responders were assessed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests; independent predictors of participation were examined using multivariate logistic regression and odds ratios (ORs).Of the 4,110 rehabilitants invited to participate in the study, 198 (4.8%) participated at T0. Participation at T1 was 599 (100%), at T2 332 (55.4%), and at T3 160 (26.7%). Belonging to the psychosomatic indication group was associated with a lower likelihood of belonging to the T2 responder group (OR=0.55; p<0.01), whereas receiving a pension (OR=3.45; p<0.05) and expecting higher weekly working hours after rehabilitation (OR=1.16; p<0.05) were associated with a higher likelihood. For T3, parenthood (OR=1.70; p<0.05), higher weekly working hours (OR=1.32; p<0.05), and receiving a pension (OR=3.65; p<0.05) were positively associated with participation, whereas improvements in independence (OR=0.95; p<0.05) and working physically (OR=0.87; p<0.05) were negatively associated.Response rates, as an indicator of acceptability, varied depending on the assessment time point. Particularly low response rates were observed among rehabilitants in psychosomatic medicine, those with physically demanding jobs, and those employed full time.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147488350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1055/a-2780-1750
Anne Ostermann, Tatjana Levin, Christian Sturm
{"title":"[Employment Grants Support Return to Work: Recipients' Perspectives on a New Intervention].","authors":"Anne Ostermann, Tatjana Levin, Christian Sturm","doi":"10.1055/a-2780-1750","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2780-1750","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>People with health impairments often face significant barriers to participation in the labor market, which increases the risk of long-term unemployment, social exclusion, and deteriorating health. In response, the German Pension Insurance launched a pilot project in two regions to test an Entry Incentive Payment (Einstiegsprämie, ESP). The ESP is an unconditional financial benefit granted to insured individuals re-entering the workforce. The accompanying survey study aimed to evaluate this innovative intervention from the recipients' perspective and to complement administrative analyses of reintegration outcomes with a person-centered view.During the intervention period (January 2020 to March 2023), 485 individuals received the ESP. Survey data were available for 310 participants (response rate: 63.9%). In total, 279 questionnaires from time point t1 (1st-3rd month of ESP receipt) and 205 from time point t2 (9th-13th month) were included in the analysis.Participants had a mean age of 48.2 years (t1), and approximately one-third were female. Somatic diagnoses were reported by 93.4% and psychological diagnoses by 36.9% of respondents. Based on the Work Ability Index, 77.2% had only moderate to critical work ability. The ESP was rated as helpful for job entry by 95% of women and 84% of men, with no significant differences between subgroups defined by gender, region, age, or diagnosis type. Regarding job retention, women rated the ESP significantly more positively than men (Mann-Whitney U test: U=3844.5; p=0.026; r=0.15). Overall health-related quality of life did not change significantly over the first year of employment; however, significant declines in individual domains were observed in some subgroups.The ESP is largely perceived as an effective measure to support (re)integration into employment among individuals with health limitations. The findings highlight the potential relevance of employment grants in return-to-work strategies. Furthermore, the data illustrate the vulnerability of this population with regard to health stability and work ability.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146183374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-07-17DOI: 10.1055/a-2624-8247
Helen Gissendanner, Thorsten Meyer-Feil
{"title":"[Processes and Outcomes of Work-Oriented Case Management during and after Medical Rehabilitation for Substance Use Disorders: A Workshop Report from the BORA-TB Project].","authors":"Helen Gissendanner, Thorsten Meyer-Feil","doi":"10.1055/a-2624-8247","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2624-8247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Case workers in a vocational support program for persons with addiction disorders (\"BORA-TB\") accompanied rehabilitants for up to 12 months after rehabilitation treatment. Positive return-to-work (RTW) effects were not statistically verifiable using survey data from the evaluation study. This raises the question of methodological adjustments to the assessment of outcomes. The work summarized here sought to identify and analyze the different paths along which consultation interactions progressed, including the different forms of outcomes they terminated in, to reach an understanding of how these can be influenced by or understood through individual and contextual factors.For the analysis of n=50 individual consultations, data taken from the primary documentation of services received by clients as reported by case managers were combined with statistical measures and free-hand text notes from clients' self-report questionnaires. These data were reiteratively compared within and between cases following the principles of Grounded Theory.Eleven types of consultation processes were differentiated. Each represents a specific pattern of case manager tasks and methods, forms of (possible) outcomes, and prognoses for disease management in relation to the client's situation at the start of consultation and to personal characteristics. The wide range of reported case management tasks included praise for independently achieved vocational successes, legal support, and analyses of clients' personality characteristics for (change) motivation. Outcomes differed depending on client´s life situation and needs, yet is always defined as greater participation in vocational and social environments. Prognoses for each type taking into consideration variation in consultation processes and forms of outcomes suggest hypotheses about suitable disease management.Alternative approaches to the evaluation of outcomes in caseworkers' support of persons with addiction disorders appear feasible with available data on consultation processes. They also seem appropriate given the heterogeneity of affected persons' situations. A validation of the approach used here and a quantitative analysis of type distributions could yield more suitable instruments for measuring treatment outcomes in addiction research.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"50-59"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RehabilitationPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-02-19DOI: 10.1055/a-2615-6956
Roland Nebel, Birna Bjarnason-Wehrens, Thomas Schmidt
{"title":"[Rehabilitation after pulmonary Embolism].","authors":"Roland Nebel, Birna Bjarnason-Wehrens, Thomas Schmidt","doi":"10.1055/a-2615-6956","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2615-6956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, with a suspected high number of unreported cases. If left untreated, the mortality rate ranges from 25-30%. With treatment, it decreases to approximately 8% after one year.In addition to the acute thromboembolic event PE can have far-reaching long-term health and personal consequences for the patient including limitations in physical performance, psychosocial effects and significant impairments in health-related quality of life. There is also a significant risk of an embolism recurrence. Furthermore, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or post-pulmonary embolism syndrome (PPS) can develop.The goals of a long-term follow-up strategy - including cardiac rehabilitation (CR) - are to prevent recurrences, achieve sustained improvements in physical performance, and reduce dyspnea in patients with limitations often caused by general muscular deconditioning. Another key objective is to sustainably improve quality of life, with impacts on personal, family, and professional environment.Although PE is common, structured follow-up and rehabilitation programs are largely lacking. In contrast to other cardiovascular conditions, such as myocardial infarction, post-PE care is typically limited to a few follow-up appointments. A stronger scientific evidence base, clearly defined care pathways, and interdisciplinary CR are needed.This article presents the current state of research on CR after a PE event and highlights the specific characteristics and considerations relevant to this setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":54504,"journal":{"name":"Rehabilitation","volume":"65 1","pages":"61-72"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146229824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}