[Proposal of a thoraco-pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to give guidelines for the management of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients affected by COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

52 patients affected by COPD with chronic respiratory failure and hypoxemia have been evaluated. All patients underwent a personalized rehabilitation program joining traditional technics of rehabilitation and an exercise training. The study was divided into three different phases: traditional pulmonary rehabilitation; exercise training by treadmill; home care rehabilitation. In order to follow-up the outcome of the patients, the 12 minutes walking test and the pulmonary function tests were used.

RESULTS

The study showed clearly an improvement of fitness of the patients after exercise training These results were confirmed after one year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, in the light of these results, the exercise training and, overall, the home care rehabilitation, acquire an important role in the management of patients affected by COPD.