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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Published on: November 8, 2013
Effects of Rehabilitation Before and After Pulmonary Resection: A Literature Review
Haruki Maniwa1,2, Satoshi Ohno3
1Clinical Research Center, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan; maniwa-h@matsuecc.ac.jp.
Background/Aim:
Pulmonary resection is associated with decline in respiratory function and exercise tolerance, thereby influencing postoperative complications and patient prognosis. Recently, attention has been paid to the importance of perioperative rehabilitation. However, its efficacy and optimal methods remain unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to comprehensively examine the effects of pre- and postoperative rehabilitation on exercise tolerance, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and survival rates.
Materials And Methods:
A literature search was performed in the PubMed database, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in English. The search identified 103 articles. After screening, 14 RCTs were included in the analysis. The intervention details, implementation timing, outcomes, and their effects were summarized.
Results:
Rehabilitation was implemented preoperatively, postoperatively, or both. Preoperative rehabilitation, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and respiratory training for ≥1 week, was associated with improved exercise tolerance, reduced postoperative pulmonary complications, and shorter hospital stay. Furthermore, even a short-term intervention of three days was associated with improved respiratory function and walking ability. In postoperative rehabilitation, educational interventions were associated with improved exercise compliance and reduced postoperative complications. However, the effects of these interventions were inconsistent, and no clear effects on long-term outcomes, such as readmission or survival rates, were observed.
Conclusion:
Pre- and postpulmonary resection rehabilitation, particularly preoperative intervention, reduces postoperative pulmonary complications, shortens hospital stay, and prevents decline in exercise tolerance. Even short-term preoperative intervention may be clinically beneficial. However, evidence on its impact on long-term prognosis remains limited. Future studies should investigate long-term outcomes.
