Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients Who Previously Completed a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

PURPOSE: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) impair health-related quality of life (HRQL). We evaluated the effect of an abbreviated repeat pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on HRQL after an AECOPD. METHODS: Patients who had completed PR were followed for up to 12 months to identify an AECOPD and then placed in randomized groups to receive a 3-week repeat-PR intervention or usual care. Measures of HRQL …