Pulmonary Rehabilitation
This programme of weekly, two hour sessions includes physical
training, education on anatomy and physiology of the respiratory
system, posture correction, breathing techniques and coping
strategies for self management.
The programme is effective in improving control of COPD and in
helping to relieve dyspnoea from other respiratory diseases.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD has also been shown
to relieve fatigue, improves emotional function and enhances
patients' sense of control over their condition.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective for people with moderate
to severe COPD who consider themselves functionally disabled. It is
not suitable for people unable to walk, who have unstable angina,
or who have had a recent myocardial infarction.
Aims of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme:
- Increase exercise tolerance and reduce shortness of breath
- Increase muscle strength and endurance
- Improve quality of life
- Increase independence in daily functioning
- Increase knowledge of lung condition and promote self
management
- Promote long term commitment to exercise