Why Pulmonary Rehab is a Waste of Time

Study after study shows the benefits of Pulmonary Rehab programs. Most PR programs at major medical centers follow the guidelines laid out by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab: Six to eight weeks of supervised exercise 2-3 times a week, coupled with education on a variety of topics, shows improved 6 minute walk distances and less reported shortness of breath both at rest and with exercise. Hospital admission rates are lower for graduates of a Pulmonary Rehab program. But studies also show that many people enjoy the benefits of their gains for about 6-12 months, and then they are back to square one. The exception: people who kept up with the exercises after graduation.
In a classic PR program, the attendees get to know each other and spur one another on through the program. Lasting friendships get built, as people who operate at a similar pace find they can now go out and do things with someone else who moves at their speed. But not everyone takes advantage of this. As much as I threaten and cajole my patients (OK… not really) into joining a gym or studio or setting up a home workout spot, without me there to push them a little every day, most folks settle back into the old routine, ultimately setting them back to being at risk for hospitalization for a variety of causes. The patients I have had who got themselves a partner (either another class member or a family member or neighbor) continued to enjoy their gains for several years.
I had one darling 80 year old who got her neighbor as a partner. He was 28, and ran several miles a day. But he agreed to walk with her- well sort of. While she walked, he would jog to the end of the block, then back again to check on her. Over and over. Until she had walked to the end of the block, and then he would walk her home. But they did this 5 days a week. And, I’ve seen many spouses of the patients in my rehab program get into shape after graduation, as they became the support person and started walking or working out with their partner.
Pulmonary Rehab is hard work, with many handsome rewards. Keep up the exercise, 150 minutes a week, and reap the benefits for many years to come.