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A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether preoperative physiotherapy (pulmonary prehabilitation) is beneficial for patients undergoing lung resection. Altogether 177 papers were found using the reported search, of which 10 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. A meta-analysis by Li et al. showed that patients who received a preoperative rehabilitation programme (PRP) had reduced incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) (odds ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.27–0.71), reduced length of stay (LOS) (−4.23 days, 95% CI −6.14 to −2.32 days) and improved 6-min walking distance (71.25 m, 95% CI 39.68–102.82) and peak oxygen uptake consumption (VO2 peak) (3.26, 95% CI 2.17–4.35). A meta-analysis by Steffens et al. showed that PPCs were reduced in patients with PRP (relative risk 0.49, 95% CI 0.33–0.73) and reduced LOS (−2.86 days, 95% CI −5.40 to −0.33). The results of 3 additional meta-analyses, 4 randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study all provide further support to PRP in enhanced recovery after surgery and the improvement in exercise capacity. We conclude that PRP improves exercise capacity in patients undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. Moderate quality evidence supports preoperative exercise providing significant reduction in PPCs and hospital LOS. Referral to exercise programmes should be considered in patients awaiting lung resection, particularly those deemed borderline for suitability for surgical resection.

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