Objective evaluation of results of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in a community hospital.

Objective evidence of improvement from participation in an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program in a community hospital is shown. Selection criteria included a decrease in functional capacity due to pulmonary disease, stability of underlying pulmonary disease, proper motivation, the absence of other significant diseases, and evidence of continued improvement in the course of the program. Objective evidence of improved functional ability, as measured by treadmill exercise testing and improved understanding of their disease, was demonstrated in 86 percent of patients who completed the program. An increased work load was performed at a lower heart rate and respiratory rate. Eleven of 41 patients reached anaerobic threshold at a higher work load. Most importantly, however, was improved quality of life. In follow-up of 101 patients from one to five years later, 31.7 percent remained improved, while 31.7 percent had died, and 36.5 percent were worse from progression of pulmonary or occurrence of other diseases. Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation can be objectively shown to be an important therapeutic tool in the treatment of patients with pulmonary disease.