University Hospitals Harrington-McLaughlin Heart & Vascular Institute, in conjunction with the UH Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, offers a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program to help patients overcome obstacles associated with lung disorders and improve their breathing.

What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a comprehensive, outpatient program, consisting of:

• therapeutic exercise
• individual/group education
• counseling and psychosocial interventions

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation team consists of health care professionals who work together to help patients meet their needs and goals, including:

• nurses
• registered respiratory therapists
• exercise physiologists
• registered dietitians
• pharmacists
• pulmonologists

Who may benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Anyone who has any of the following:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis)
• Restrictive lung diseases
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Other lung conditions such as: lung cancer, primary pulmonary hypertension and obesity-related respiratory disease
• Pre- and post-lung volume reduction surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Lung transplantation (A patient’s physician may suggest other conditions that apply.)

What are the advantages of Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

• Reduce respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, dyspnea, fatigue), fear and anxiety associated with chronic pulmonary diseases
• Increase exercise capacity, stamina and the ability to perform common daily activities
• Increase knowledge about pulmonary disease and its management
• Improve respiratory hygiene practices which may lead to prevention of infections
• Improve overall quality of life

What occurs during Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Similar to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program, Pulmonary Rehabilitation occurs in three phases, the first taking place during hospitalization.

Phase I
The first phase of Pulmonary Rehabilitation begins during a hospital stay and is coordinated on an individual basis through the collaboration of the physician, nurse and respiratory therapist.

Education provided includes preparation for the patient and family on the patient’s pulmonary condition, pulmonary risk factors and how to care for oneself after leaving the hospital.

Phase II
Phase II is a structured outpatient program in which patients participate in exercise and education three times per week. Individual and group counseling is provided to aid in the return to a healthier lifestyle and to ease breathing.

More specifically, Phase II focuses on:

• Structured Exercise. An individualized, monitored exercise regimen for 8 to 10 weeks aids patients in regaining strength, endurance and stamina. Exercise training includes both aerobic activity and resistance training, along with proper stretching, warm-up and cool-down activities.
• Comprehensive Education. Individual and group counseling will support disease management and encourage lifestyle changes. Lectures and materials cover a range of topics, such as: lung anatomy and physiology, medication, home exercise programming, principles of exercise, work simplification, stress management, nutrition, smoking cessation and proper breathing techniques.
• Nutritional Intervention. Nutritional assessments and interventions will be provided to assist with either calorie supplementation or restriction as needed.
• Psychosocial Intervention. Ongoing support and counseling addresses respiratory conditions and health concerns for patients and their caregivers.

Phase III
Patients meet twice a week during Phase III of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, allowing them to maintain the exercise benefits and lifestyle changes learned in Phase II. The third phase is a controlled program under the supervision of health care professionals. Participants must have a written release from their physician before starting the program.

What other services are available?

A Pulmonary Support Group exists to address patient and caregiver needs and provides encouragement to work toward a healthy lifestyle. Through the Pulmonary Support Group, patients can learn more about their condition, receive emotional support from others with the same respiratory condition and learn how to cope with the different barriers and issues associated with their condition. Involvement in the Pulmonary Support Group can continue throughout Phase III of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.