[Proposal of a thoraco-pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to give guidelines for the management of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients affected by COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 52 patients affected by COPD with chronic respiratory failure and hypoxemia have been evaluated. All patients underwent a personalized rehabilitation program joining traditional technics of rehabilitation and an exercise training. The study was divided into three different phases: traditional pulmonary rehabilitation; exercise training by treadmill; home care rehabilitation. In order to follow-up the outcome of the patients, the 12 minutes walking test and the pulmonary function tests were used. RESULTS: The study showed clearly an improvement of fitness of the patients after exercise training These results were confirmed after one year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in the light of these results, the exercise training and, overall, the home care rehabilitation, acquire an important role in the management of patients affected by COPD.