Getting Started > Background

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based intervention for people with chronic lung disease whose daily activities have been affected by their symptoms which may include shortness of breath, weakness and lethargy.

These programs are designed to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and decrease health care utilisation and should be part of a comprehensive care plan for people with chronic lung disease.

The primary components of a comprehensive program are:   

Assessment

Exercise Training

Education

Program Evaluation

Maintenance

The goals of pulmonary rehabilitation are to:

Increase exercise tolerance

Improve quality of life

Decrease frequency and severity of symptoms

Enhance self-management skills

Improve mood and motivation

Reduce health care burden for patients and their families

Improve survival

Online pulmonary rehabilitation training is available – Pulmonary rehabilitation training – Lung Foundation Australia