Pulmonary rehabilitation following exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Publication Details
Puhan, M. A., Gimeno-Santos, E., Scharplatz, M., Troosters, T., Walters, E. H, & Steurer, J. (2009). Pulmonary rehabilitation following exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (10). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005305.pub3
Abstract
We wished to determine the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on hospital admissions and other patient-important outcomes such as quality of life. In order to be considered for our review, the clinical trials had to involve some sort of exercise program. However some of the programs also included emphasis on endurance and strength training or breathing exercises and education about COPD. We were interested only in studies which assessed the effects of courses of exercise therapy in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who had been in hospital following an exacerbation. We included nine studies. Pulmonary rehabilitation reduced hospital admissions and mortality compared with usual community care (no rehabilitation). Quality of life was also improved and the effect was substantially larger than the minimal important difference. Pulmonary rehabilitation appears to be a highly effective and safe intervention in COPD patients after suffering an exacerbation.
Keywords
peer-reviewed
