COPD and the Importance of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise for individuals with COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema), as well as for those with other chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease . The primary goal is to improve an individual’s symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, and/or weakness in order to improve the participant’s quality of life.

Participants meet with physical therapists for one to multiple visits for instruction in establishing an individualized home-based exercise program to meet that particular patient’s needs, goals and medical history. 

A typical exercise program consists of stretching, resistance training (dumbbells, weight machines or resistance bands) and endurance training using either the treadmill, stationary bike or upper body cycle. Participants also visit with occupational therapists to learn breathing techniques to manage their breathlessness, pacing skills and energy management with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, cleaning, cooking and laundry. Additionally, individuals may meet with recreational therapists to assess their oxygen requirements with daily activities, fitness evaluations and reinforce the importance of exercise. 

Learn answers to Pulmonary Rehab FAQs.

This information has been approved by Scott Van Da Walker C-FNP, MSN, RN (January 2008).