Home respiratory rehabilitation is an effective treatment option for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This type of rehabilitation allows patients to perform medically supervised exercises in the comfort of their own homes, using programs that include both aerobic and resistance training.
Home respiratory rehabilitation programs are structured to reduce symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue, while improving patients’ exercise capacity and quality of life. Exercise prescription should be tailored to the patient’s pre-exercise assessment and should consider the impact of comorbidities. Workouts may include walking, cycling, and limb-specific resistance training prescribed based on the severity of dyspnea and leg fatigue during exercise. Supervision during these trainings is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the program.
The benefits of these programs include not only physical but also psychological improvements through ongoing, individualized support that contributes to the improvement of the patient’s overall well-being. Home respiratory rehabilitation offers a viable alternative to hospital programs, especially for those patients who have difficulty traveling, ensuring continuity and personalization of care.
Home rehabilitation activities of the patient
In home respiratory rehabilitation, various activities are implemented to improve the respiratory health and function of patients.
| Assisting Activities | Key Points | Benefits for the Patient | Duration of Treatments |
| Multidimensional Assessments | Periodic checkups by medical specialists. | Constant monitoring of health condition, optimization of care plan. | Visits monthly or as needed. |
| Management of Drug Therapy | Medication regulation and prescription, instruction on the use of inhalers. | Effective control of symptoms, prevention of flare-ups. | Any change in therapy or following medical evaluations. |
| Nursing Care | Daily or periodic care, management of medical equipment. | Continuous care, optimal management of home therapy. | Based on individual needs, it can be daily or weekly. |
| Respiratory Support Interventions | Use of respiratory therapy devices such as CPAP, noninvasive mechanical ventilation. | Improved sleep quality and respiratory function. | According to prescription, generally long-term. |
| Telemedicine Telehealth | Video consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of vital parameters. | Reduced travel and immediate access to specialized support. | Regular sessions as needed, often weekly or monthly. |
| Rehabilitation Activities | Key Points | Benefits for the Patient | Duration of Treatments |
| Aerobic Training | Moderate walking, use of exercise bike, step exercises. | Improved respiratory capacity and reduced dyspnea. | 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. |
| Resistance training | Exercises with light weights and elastic bands, focusing on upper and lower limbs. | Increased muscle strength, improved mobility and quality of life. | 20-30 minutes a day, 2-3 times a week. |
| Flexibility and Balance Training | Stretching, yoga, balance exercises. | Improved overall flexibility and fall prevention. | 15-20 minutes a day, 3 times a week. |
| Disease Management Education | Information sessions on symptom management and relapse prevention, breathing techniques. | Improved symptom management, greater autonomy in disease control. | Varies by program, usually weekly sessions. |
| Monitoring and Follow-up | Use of remote monitoring devices, regular consultations. | Early intervention in case of worsening, personalization of treatment. | Ongoing, with weekly or biweekly consultations. |
| Psychological Support | Psychological support interventions, management of anxiety and depression. | Improved psychological well-being, enhanced coping skills. | Monthly sessions or as needed. |
