Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients: Can a Novel Stepwise, Patient-Centered Approach Improve Survival? A Feasibility Study.

Since it remains underutilized, home-based programs and telemedicine may be useful.

This quasi-experimental feasibility study included 14 patients with COPD, two consecutive pillars (education and exercise training) and three consecutive exercise training steps of progressive intensity, for 12 weeks.

Three patients improved FEV 1 and CPET, with clinical significance.

There was significant improvement in hand-grip strength (29.5 ± 16.5 to 32.9 ± 17).