What are the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation?

One of the biggest advantages of pulmonary rehabilitation is that it improves patients’ ability to cope with shortness of breath. Clinical studies show that the program provides the following benefits:

• Reduces shortness of breath and increases the endurance of respiratory muscles.
• Increases exercise capacity, allows patients to walk for longer periods of time.
• Facilitates daily activities, helps patients become independent.
• Reduces anxiety and depression related to the disease, provides psychological support.
• Reduces hospitalization rates, reduces emergency room visits.
• Reduces the risk of lung infections and strengthens the immune system.

These benefits increase patients’ quality of life and help prevent complications that may occur due to the disease.

How is pulmonary rehabilitation implemented?

A pulmonary rehabilitation program is a comprehensive process that usually lasts 6-12 weeks and is performed 2-3 days a week. The components of the program are:

1. Exercise Training

Exercises planned to increase respiratory muscles and general physical endurance include:

• Walking and cycling exercises to increase cardio capacity
• Strengthening exercises to work the diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles
• Resistance training (Makes daily activities easier by increasing muscle strength.)
• Stretching and relaxation techniques to ensure efficient breathing

2. Breathing Techniques

• Here are some breathing techniques taught to help patients better manage shortness of breath:
• Pursed-lip breathing: More efficient oxygen provides intake.
• Diaphragmatic breathing: Supports more effective respiratory muscles.
• Quick relaxing breathing techniques: Used in acute respiratory crises.

3. Patient Education and Psychosocial Support

Patients are educated on the following topics:

• Management and progression of the disease
• Proper inhaler use
• Diet and weight control
• Quitting smoking and its effects on lung health
• Methods for coping with anxiety and depression

4. Nutritional Support

Nutrition is very important in respiratory diseases. While being overweight increases shortness of breath, being underweight can also cause muscle loss. Therefore, a personalized nutrition program is applied.

What are the scientific bases of pulmonary rehabilitation?

The effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation has been proven by many scientific studies:

• According to the 2020 report of the British Thoracic Society (BTS), pulmonary rehabilitation reduces hospitalization rates in COPD patients by up to 30%.
• According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, patients who participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program increased their exercise capacity by an average of 25%.
• A meta-analysis conducted by the Cochrane Review found that pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improves the quality of life and reduces shortness of breath in COPD patients.