Rehabilitation in pneumology

Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based multidisciplinary treatment for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The indications for applying for PR are given if there is an appropriate rehabilitation capability, need for rehabilitation and favorable rehabilitation prognosis. The aims of PR are the reduction of symptoms and improvement of the quality of life and physical resilience. The efficiency of PR is well proven for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the highest evidence grade and for non-COPD patients with an increasing level of evidence based on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. The treatment content of PR is individually adapted to the patients’ needs by a multidisciplinary treatment team. In order to sustainably maintain the success of PR there is the possibility to participate in outpatient aftercare programs (e.g. breathing exercises) and to utilize digital technologies as supporting measures.