Pulmonary rehabilitation [Pneumologische rehabilitation]

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based interdisciplinary treatment for patients with chronic diseases of the respiratory system who are symptomatic and are impaired in professional and daily activities. In addition to securing occupational and social participation, the targets are improvement of symptoms, physical fitness, quality of life and functional optimization. The indications for PR are fulfilled if, despite adequate curative treatment, relevant physical and psychosocial sequelae due to disease are present in routine daily activities which impede the possibility for normal participation in occupational and social life. The effectiveness of PR is confirmed with the highest level of evidence especially for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, in all COPD guidelines PR is considered an essential component of long-term management and is recommended above a moderate degree of severity. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.