[Efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation]

Pulmonary rehabilitation is comprehensive and multidimensional care for patients with COPD and their families. The aim of pulmonary rehabilitation is for patients to achieve and maintain the individual's maximum level of independence and functioning in the communities. Recent investigation of well-designed studies confirmed the efficacy of lower extremity training, upper extremity training, and ventilatory muscle training in some selected patients. Patient education is a essential component. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise tolerance, the symptoms of dyspnea and health-related QOL, and reduce the frequency and period of hospitalizations. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs include assessment and education of patient, exercise training, and chest physical therapy techniques. In our follow-up study in 100 patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema who participated in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, groups that continued exercise more than 30 minutes a day at home, had tendency to escape from progression of dyspnea after 19 months (mean).