THE EVOLVING ROLE OF REHABILITATION IN COPD

A strong, growing, scientifically sound evidence base supports the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the past 10 years, nearly 1000 new articles have been added to the medical literature on this topic. This literature was reviewed systematically by an expert panel for the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, which published revised evidence-based guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD. This article reviews selected recommendations from these guidelines, with a focus on cost-effectiveness, exacerbations/hospitalizations, and maintenance. Additional research is needed to determine how to integrate pulmonary rehabilitation principles into a chronic disease management model. (Adv Stud Med. 2008;8(13):457-462)