[Pulmonary rehabilitation before and after lung transplantation]

Pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with advanced lung diseases especially with COPD patients has become more important over past years. For patients in which lung transplantation is indicated major studies concerning pre- and postoperative rehabilitation are still missing. Nevertheless, growing evidence suggests that training therapy and other components of comprehensive rehabilitation should be an essential part of the whole concept in order to augment the therapeutic success of LTx. The time prior to LTx may be used as "bridging to transplant" by improving strength, endurance and mobility. Intensive motivation and knowledge transfer can prepare patients as good candidates. The rehabilitation after LTx aims at regaining physical abilities and health related quality of life using the increased breathing capacities. The manuscript presents the importance, aims and specific features of rehabilitation prior to and following LTx. Finally the therapeutic concept will be discussed with regard to the economic burden and the limited resources in lung transplantation.