Predictors of the Long-term Functional Benefits of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program?

Predictors of the Long-term Functional Benefits of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program?

The present study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of comorbid psychiatric disorders among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), in order to determine the effects of psychiatric comorbidity on exercise tolerance and physical activity post-PR and HRQoL, as well as to determine the processes by which these psychiatric disorders may impact on these patient behaviours.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients over the age of 40 will be eligible if
2. they are diagnosed with moderate-severe COPD,
3. currently participate to a PR program, and
4. agree to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

They will be excluded if:

1. they have any comorbidity that is more important (i.e., more likely to cause morbidity or mortality) than COPD (e.g., active cancer),
2. they have contraindications to exercise (though they will not likely be referred to PR),
3. they have participated in a PR program in the past year,
4. and if they are unable to provide informed consent due to language difficulties or cognitive impairment.