ABSTRACT
Rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic lung diseases are well established as a means of enhancing standard therapy in order to control and alleviate symptoms and optimize functional capacity (1-8). In recent years, the emergence of surgical options for patients with advanced chronic lung disease, such as lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and lung transplantation, has focused attention on the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in evaluating patients, preparing them for surgery, and maximizing their recovery after surgery (9-11). In fact, given the various treatment options available to such patients with symptoms of disabling dyspnea, pulmonary rehabilitation can help patients to understand better these options and to make more informed choices.
