Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Exercise Training in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent. It affects 13.2% of the population over age 40 in Germany. In 2020, it will be the third most common cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. It markedly impairs the quality of life of those who suffer from it and presents a major economic challenge to the health-care system.

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search and on the authors' clinical experience.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with COPD is supported by evidence on the highest level. It is associated with statistically significant (p <0.001) and clinically relevant improvement in physical performance (6-minute walk distance: + 44 m; 95% confidence interval [33; 55]), shortness of breath (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire: +0.79 points [0.56; 1.03]), and the quality of life (Saint George´s Respiratory Questionnaire: -6.9 points [-9.3; -4.5]). The benefits of PR are especially evident after an acute exacerbation of COPD: it significantly lowers the rate of readmission to the hospital (odds ratio 0.22 [0.08; 0.58], p = 0.002) and improves physical performance ability (6-minute walk distance: + 62 m [38; 86] and the quality of life (Saint George´s Respiratory Questionnaire: -7.8 points [-12.1; -3.5]; p <0.001 for both).

PR is an effective and cost-effective therapeutic intervention that improves physical performance ability, shortness of breath, and the quality of life in patients with COPD, but it has not yet been fully implemented as recommended in the relevant guidelines. There is a need for targeted, problem-oriented referral to a range of PR programs with problem-specific content. The necessary outpatient PR structures still need to be established in Germany.