Medicine

E. Wouters

1977.1.1Breathe

DOI: 10.1136/thorax.56.11.827

tlooto Summary

The shift from empiricism to science in performing pulmonary rehabilitation may result not only in a further improvement in quality of life, but perhaps also in life expectancy for patients with usually incurable and sometimes inexorably progressive pulmonary disease.

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary program of care for patients with chronic respiratory impairment. PR is intended to reduce and control symptoms, and help patients to maintain an optimal level of independent functioning. It provides physician-directed, individualized plans of care designed to improve physical conditioning, provide education about disease process and limitations, and improve functional status through prescribed exercise.

Citation format

WOUTERS, E. Pulmonary rehabilitation. Breathe, 1977, 1: 33–42.