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Since the last statements on pulmonary rehabilitation by the American Thoracic Society (ATS; 1999) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS; 1997), there have been numerous scientific advances both in our understanding of the systemic effects of chronic respiratory disease as well as the changes induced by the process of pulmonary rehabilitation. Evidence-based support for pulmonary rehabilitation in the management of patients with chronic respiratory disease has grown tremendously, and this comprehensive intervention has been clearly demonstrated to reduce dyspnea, increase exercise performance, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQL). Furthermore, an emerging literature is beginning to reveal its effectiveness in reducing health care costs.

The impressive rise in interest in pulmonary rehabilitation is likely related to both a substantial increase in the number of patients being referred as well …