Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Aged Individuals With Lung Tumor After Thoracoscopic Surgery

Abstract

Background: Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in older individuals with lung tumors after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Method: Thirty-six subjects were recruited. The control group received standard care, whereas the experimental group underwent a 6-week home-based pulmonary rehabilitation additionally. Assessments were conducted at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after discharge from the hospital. Results: Exercise capacity significantly improved in the rehabilitation group at 2-week follow-up. Inspiratory muscle strength and lung expansion capacity significantly improved at 2- and 6-week follow-ups. Conclusion: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation could shorten the recovery time of certain physical functions.