There are several other issues which would
influence the outcome of the PR programmes.
Compliance by the patient is always difficult to achieve,
especially when regular exercise at home for at least 20
minutes daily is mandatory to sustain the functional
improvement achieved through PR. Issues related to
malnutrition that is common especially in older
individuals, use of supplementary oxygen need to be
addressed. Other co-morbidities, especially diabetes,
anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders
must be promptly diagnosed and appropriately treated.
Regular administration of pharmacotherapy to reduce
the impact of airflow limitation is absolutely vital for
successful implementation of PR programmes.