[Noninvasive Ventilation During Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD Patients]

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation is currently the gold standard treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the workload achieved may be insufficient to obtain physiological benefits because of the restricted respiratory capacity.

Background: In patients with COPD, changes in flow as well as biomechanical factors (distension) compromise respiratory adaptation to exertion. Some studies have shown that noninvasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise has a positive effect on respiratory muscle workload, physiological parameters and perceived exertion. However the evidence remains insufficient regarding the effects of the NIV during comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Objectives: The identification of criteria which determine responsive patients is necessary in order to reduce human and time costs and to optimize the use of NIV during exercise.

Conclusions: NIV is used during training to overcome dyspnoea and to increase muscle workload. Further studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of NIV in pulmonary rehabilitation.