Pulmonary rehabilitation program including respiratory conditioning for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Improved hyperinflation and expiratory flow during tidal breathing

摘要

BackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation has generally relieved symptoms, strengthened exercise endurance and improved health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients with COPD, but recovery of pulmonary function remains questionable. This analysis of our innovative rehabilitation program is directed at documenting changes in patients’ expiratory airflow limitation, pulmonary symptoms and QOL. This program is designed to provide “respiratory conditioning”, a physical therapist-assisted intensive flexibility training that focuses on stretching and rib cage mobilization.