Home-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD: Bridging Evidence and Practice for Comprehensive Patient-centered Care
Anchal Thakur and Kanika Bhatia
Abstract[Letter to the Editor] Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) represents a practical, patient-centered approach to managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in settings with limited access to conventional center-based programs. In their study, Kasim et al. demonstrated that a structured 12-week home-based PR program improved pulmonary function and disability outcomes, with particular gains in activities of daily living and social participation, as measured by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). This letter highlights the significance of these findings, emphasizing the multidimensional benefits of PR beyond pharmacological therapy, including physiological, psychosocial, and functional improvements. We also discuss potential limitations, such as the lack of a control group, reliance on self-reported adherence, and the need for long-term and personalized interventions. The integration of tele-rehabilitation, cognitive and mobility-focused exercises, and family involvement may further enhance outcomes. Home-based PR has important implications for low- and middle-income countries, offering a cost-effective strategy to reduce disease burden, improve quality of life, and support sustainable, comprehensive COPD management.
Rambam Maimonides Med J 2025;16(4):e0025