Maintaining Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Home in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

To systematize strategies that may support patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to maintain the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation over time. This systematic literature review was conducted, and the evidence was electronically searched in the Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO databases. This review included randomized controlled clinical trials, published until September 2019, that addressed components of an unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program, maintenance strategies following outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs, as well as data on outcomes for quality of life, exercise performance, and dyspnea. A final sample of 5 articles was obtained from a total of 1693 studies. Data for final synthesis were grouped into 2 categories: components of unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs and maintenance strategies. An unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program should consist of an educational component, an endurance training component, and a strength training component. When patients are transferred to the home environment, it is important to include more functional exercises specifically adapted to the patient’s condition, goals, and needs.