[Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic respiratory failure]

To evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic respiratory failure, 43 patients with stable chronic respiratory failure were enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The program included education, instruction in diaphragmatic breathing, respiratory muscle training, and exercise training (walking and riding a stationary bicycle). Patients were divided into 2 groups by the lowest SpO2 during a 12-minute-walk test done before rehabilitation: lowest SpO2 < 90% (Group A, 32 patients) and lowest SpO2 > or = 90% (Group B, 11 patients). In group A, SpO2 during exercise training was maintained over 90% by O2 inhalation, by load reduction, or by maintaining a slower walking speed. During 2 months of rehabilitation, the distance walked in 12 minutes and the maximum distance walked with an SpO2 > or = 90% significantly increased in both groups, but PaO2, VC, and FEV1 increased only in group A. In group A, the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had significant increases in PaO2, VC, and FEV1, but those with old tuberculosis sequelae had significant increases in PaO2 only. Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic respiratory failure may not only increase exercise tolerance but may also improve arterial oxygenation and pulmonary function.