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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients: Can a Novel Stepwise, Patient-Centered Approach Improve
Beatriz Cabaço-Santos1,2, Bruno Cabrita1,2, Eva Gonçalves1,2
1Pulmonology Department, ULS Região de Leiria, Portugal.
None:
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a fundamental treatment of COPD. Since it remains underutilized, home-based programs and telemedicine may be useful. In this study, the authors wanted to test if a novel home-based, step-guided PR program centered on self-efficacy promotion and telehealth, was feasible and safe. This quasi-experimental feasibility study included 14 patients with COPD, two consecutive pillars (education and exercise training) and three consecutive exercise training steps of progressive intensity, for 12 weeks. There was a significant reduction in the BODE Index (6 ± 3 to 5 ± 3) and in symptoms and quality-of-life questionnaires. Five patients improved the 6-min walk test with clinical and statistical significance (270 ± 124 to 338 ± 97). Three patients improved FEV1 and CPET, with clinical significance. There was significant improvement in hand-grip strength (29.5 ± 16.5 to 32.9 ± 17). No adverse events reported. This home-based step-guided PR centered on self-efficacy in COPD is feasible, improves BODE Index and is safe. Randomized controlled studies with larger samples are required.
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