Exploring pulmonary rehabilitation programs implemented and conducted in Latin America for people with chronic respiratory conditions: A scoping review - 22/10/25
Abstract |
Background |
Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has demonstrated efficacy in improving exercise tolerance, physical function and alleviating dyspnea in individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, there is little understanding on the delivery of PR research programs in the Latin American region. Objective: This review analyzed the implementation of PR research in Latin America, adherence to established ATS criteria, and the evaluation of PR program effectiveness in the region.
Methods |
The search was conducted in six databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Scielo, Web of Science and Health and Medical Collection) to June 2025, including studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies with adults from Latin America participating in any PR program were included.
Results |
We identified 53 studies (2522 individuals) from Brazil (n = 33), Colombia (n = 11), Cuba (n = 4), Chile (n = 3), Argentina (n = 1) and Uruguay (n = 1). Most PR participants were individuals with COPD (87 %). PR programs included exercise and educational programs involving a multidisciplinary team. Quality of life, dyspnea, aerobic capacity and muscle strength were the main assessments. Aerobic training was included in 46 studies (87 %) and strength training in 38 studies (72 %). Outcome measures included quality of life in 35 studies (66 %), dyspnea in 45 studies (85 %), aerobic capacity in 44 studies (83 %) and muscle strength in 24 studies (45 %). Thirty studies (57 %) followed international recommendations for PR.
Conclusion |
In Latin America, PR has transitioned from basic therapeutic approaches to more comprehensive, evidence-based interventions. However, disparities remain, particularly in the exercise modalities, assessments, professional team and adherence to international guidelines.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | There is an emerging pulmonary rehabilitation research community in Latin America, primarily in Brazil and Colombia. |
• | Research programs have evolved from exploring basic therapies to investigating more complex evidence-based models which are fundamental to pulmonary rehabilitation care. |
• | Approximately sixty percent of research studies met the American Thoracic Society standards for pulmonary rehabilitation, signaling a growth opportunity in standardization, assessments, and multidisciplinary care in this region. |
Keywords : Pulmonary rehabilitation, Exercise, Respiratory tract diseases, Rehabilitation services
Plan
Vol 248
Article 108310- novembre 2025 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Machine learning based detection of true ventilatory restriction
- Pratim Saha, Muhammad F.A. Chaudhary, AKM Shahariar Azad Rabby, Sandeep Bodduluri, Arie Nakhmani, Chengcui Zhang, Surya P. Bhatt
- BREEZE Optional Extension Phase: Long-term safety and efficacy of treprostinil dry powder inhaler (Tyvaso DPI) in pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Sandeep Sahay, Harold Palevsky, Karim El-Kersh, Ricardo Restrepo-Jaramillo, Abubakr A. Bajwa, Sapna Desai, Joanna M. Joly, Leslie A. Spikes, Michael S. Eggert, Shilpa Johri, Shelley M. Shapiro, Micah R. Fisher, Trushil G. Shah, Gautam V. Ramani, Jinesh P. Mehta, Claire M. Thrasher, Chunqin Deng, Peter Smith, Meredith Broderick, Charles D. Burger
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?