[Current issues and digital technologies in pulmonary rehabilitation]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) like asthma, COPD, and post-COVID conditions cause significant morbidity and reduced quality of life.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is vital for improving functional capacity and patient outcomes alongside pharmacological therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review contemporary pulmonary rehabilitation approaches.
• To emphasize the integration of digital technologies and telerehabilitation in PR.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was conducted.
• Focus areas included PR program structure, training modalities, maintenance strategies, and telemedicine applicability.

Main Results:

• PR combined with exercise, maintenance, and telemonitoring significantly improves exercise tolerance, symptom control, and quality of life.
• Digital technologies allow real-time monitoring, personalized strategies, and early detection of exacerbations.
• Telemedicine, smart inhalers, and wearable sensors show promise for CRD management.

Conclusions:

• Integrating digital health technologies into PR is crucial for future CRD management.
• These technologies aid in optimizing rehabilitation outcomes and maintaining long-term functional stability.
• Digital PR supports improved clinical decision-making and patient self-management.