Pulmonary Rehabilitation

People with following diseases require Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Interstitial lung diseases
• Muscular dystrophy
• Combined cardio-pulmonary diseases

Kokilaben Hospital has a dedicated Pulmonary Rehab facility with separate areas for postural drainage, oxygen therapy, nebulisation and telemetric ECG monitored exercise systems i.e. treadmill, ergo cycles, stepper and cross trainer; a gymnasium for pre-class warm-up and resistance training classes; Human Performance Labs (Vo2 maximum evaluation) for lung function testing; and a dedicated area for patient education.

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of physiatrists (rehab physician), pulmonologists, nurses, exercise physiologists, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists and nutritionists provide services.

As per patient requirement, the programme duration can vary from 4-6 weeks to lifelong.

The goal of this programme is to prevent and limit the physiological and psychological effects of pulmonary illness and to improve overall cardio-pulmonary status and health. This is accomplished by developing individualisedprogrammes of exercise, education and lifestyle modification that are tailored to individual needs and abilities.

Phase I (Initial)

This is an inpatient programme which starts at the time of hospitalisation. It aims to initiate early mobilisation to reduce the effects of de-conditioning. It consists of oxygen therapy, chest wall manipulation, nebulisation, postural drainage, breathing exercises and incentive spirometry to improve oxygenation. This is continued with a walking and exercise programme at home or till patient return back to the hospital for Phase II.

Phase II (Conditioning Phase)

This consists of a comprehensive programme to modify the aggravating factors for lung disease along with endurance training. This consists of chest care, aerobic exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, behaviour modification, nutritional advice and patient and family education. The Phase II can begin after stabilisation of the early symptoms. This is conducted in the form of group sessions or classes, one session usually last for 60-90 minutes. Frequency is 3-5 times a week to complete a total of about 20 sessions. Initial sessions of aerobic training are conducted with electro-cardiographic monitoring. All sessions are physician monitored conducted by trained staff.

Phase III (Maintenance Phase)

This aims to continue the benefits gained by patients during Phase II. It consists of continuation of the aerobic exercise programme but at a lesser frequency of 3 times a week at home/in a gymnasium/at a hospital.