Benefits of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Regiane Resqueti V, Gorostiza A, Gáldiz JB, López de Santa María E, Casan Clarà P, Güell Rous R

This study aimed to assess the short- and medium-term efficacy of such a program in this clinical setting. 38 patients with severe COPD and incapacitating dyspnea were randomized to a control or domiciliary rehabilitation group. The 9-week supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program included educational sessions, respiratory physiotherapy, and muscle training in weekly sessions in the patient's home. Lung function, exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life with the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire were assessed at baseline, 9 weeks, and 6 months. Distance covered on the walk test increased significantly in the rehabilitation group and the difference was maintained at 6 months. Dyspnea also improved significantly with rehabilitation, but the reduction was not evident at 6 months. Statistically significant improvements in symptoms related to 2 CRQ domains were detected between baseline and 9 weeks.  A clinically relevant but not statistically significant change in mastery over disease was detected. All improvements were maintained at 6 months.

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with severe to very severe COPD and severe functional incapacity leads to improvements in exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life that are maintained at 6 months.

Archivos Bronconeumologia, 2007, 43(11), 599-604

Link to Abstract

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