Pulmonary rehabilitation and quality of life in COPD patients

Abstract

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is of the main cause of world morbidity and mortality. It causes physiological and functional
impairment influencing patient's quality of life. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Programs haven't shown significant modification on physiological parameters usually evaluated on clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to carry out a bibliographic review about the importance of the methods that evaluate the impact of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation on the
quality of life in patients with COPD. A literature review of the quality of life
measures appraising Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs on COPD was done searching on various data bases. The studies analyzed showed that the benefits on exercise tolerance and quality of life after a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program were not given by physiological parameters changes. What the literature points out is that it is possible to quantify the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on patient's life style what brings more
information about those who benefits from this intervention. Beyond the benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs on the quality of life, one might emphasize the importance of the use of evaluation methods that confirm the effects of such intervention.