Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Outcome Measures in Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Elderly patients with disabling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) become progressively immobile and physically limited mainly because of dyspnoea and fatigue. Immobility results in muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning, further reducing physical activity and impairing quality of life (QoL). Hence, there is a vicious circle of physical inactivity and cardiovascular and muscular deconditioning [1]. Furthermore, decline in physical function may contribute to increased dependency on family and carers and high social care services usage. In order to reduce the burden of healthcare cost and improve functional activities and QoL in elderly patients with COPD many researchers advocate pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes. The need for this type of rehabilitation is well recognised and has been highlighted by the professional societies [2, 3]. This review will address the components of PR: exercise training, education, psychosocial and behavioural therapy, outcome assessment.