The Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Self-efficacy, Quality of Life, and Exercise Tolerance

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate changes in psychological, physiological, and behavioral-performance variables as a function of pulmonary exercise rehabilitation. Study Design and Participants: Forty patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were recruited for participation in a 12-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. Measures: Measures included 6-min walking distance (exercise tolerance), 6-min walking distance self-efficacy, overall quality of life, dyspnea, fatigue, and emotional function. Results: Results revealed significant improvements over the course of the program in each of these measures, regardless of disease severity. In addition, improvements in exercise tolerance were significantly associated with increases in self-efficacy, which, in turn, were significantly related to improved quality of life. Conclusions: The results support the tenets of social-cognitive theory and suggest that participation in an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program can provide both physiological and psychological benefits for individuals with COPD.