Will the gains related to pulmonary rehabilitation continue in the first month after rehabilitation?

Introduction: Patients with chronic pulmonary disease admitted to the pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program may lose their gains over time. In this study we aimed to investigate whether the gains after PR continue in the first month. Methods: Patients involved in PR program who had first-month follow-up controls were evaluated retrospectively. In PR program patients accompanied lower and upper extremity strengthening exercises, cycling, treadmill with a physical therapist in a 8 weeks program (2 days per week).St.George quality of life questionnaire (SGRQ)and walking distances were recorded before and after PR program. After the PR program, patients were asked to record their exercise status during each day by giving them an exercise log. Results: A total of 52 patients (39 female and 13 female) with a mean age of 60±12 years participated in the study. There were 37 (71%)patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 15 (29%) non-COPD chronic lung disease (interstitial lung disease 4, bronchiectasis 5, kyphoscoliosis 6). In St.George quality of life questionnaire (SGRQ), median 13 (7-22) point regression was observed before and after PR (p Conclusion: An increase in exercise capacity provided by pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic pulmonary diseases continues in early post-PR period, when patients continue to exercise with behavioral changes in their daily lives.