Maximizing functional capacity. Pulmonary rehabilitation and adjunctive measures

Pulmonary rehabilitation has become an important adjunct to standard medical therapy, with the primary goal of restoring patients to the highest possible functional state using a combination of exercise training, education, respiratory and chest physiotherapy techniques, and psychosocial support. Evidence supports the use of this combined modality therapy for motivated patients with disability from chronic lung disease. Although pulmonary function generally does not change, exercise tolerance can improve, together with decreased symptoms of breathlessness, improved quality of life, and less need for health care services. Patients are empowered with a better understanding of their disease and the proper usage of medications, oxygen therapy, and chest physiotherapy techniques. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation enables patients to make the most of their lungs and their life.