Consistent support from healthcare professionals, interaction with peers, and regular exercise can help people with COPD remain physically active over the long-term, a systematic review of multiple studies shows.

The report identifies both barriers and beneficial elements for physical activity following pulmonary rehabilitation. It highlights patients’ need for maintaining supportive social interactions and regular exercise to stay active.

The review study, titled “Facilitators and barriers to physical activity following pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD: a systematic review of qualitative studies,” was published in the journal Primary Care Respiratory Medicine.

Pulmonary rehabilitation — a patient-tailored approach combining exercise, education, and behavioral changes — can improve physical capacity, reduce shortness of breath, and enhance the quality of life of COPD patients.