Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 30(6): 636-648
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242633
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Pharmacotherapy

Robert G. Varadi1 , Roger Goldstein1 , 2
  • 1Division of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Department of Medicine and Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 November 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Though pulmonary rehabilitation can have potent effects on exercise capacity and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not all patients benefit to the same degree. Enabling patients to achieve higher training intensities may improve exercise capacity. Adding pharmacological agents to target the abnormal ventilatory mechanics or skeletal muscle dysfunction may enhance the effects of exercise training. This review discusses the rationale and clinical evidence supporting the use of pharmacological adjuncts during the course of pulmonary rehabilitation.

REFERENCES

Roger GoldsteinM.D. 

West Park Healthcare Centre

82 Buttonwood Ave., Toronto, ON, M6M 2J5 Canada

Email: rgoldstein@westpark.org