Advances in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abstract

This book is a collection of essays derived from papers originally presented at a conference entitled ‘Advances in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation’ which was sponsored by the department of physical therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, in April 1988. The conference was obviously planned for an American audience and the papers reflect this by discussing rehabilitation in the context of the USA health care system. The first four chapters deal with pulmonary rehabilitation. Chapter 1 reviews the current status of pulmonary rehabilitation and reports that the concept is gaining favour as it is believed that quality of life can be maximised, and morbidity rates favourably altered, if individuals suffering from pulmonary disease undertake the programmes described in subsequent chapters. The author concludes that more research needs to be done before the benefits can be ascertained. In chapter 2 the mechanisms whereby pulmonary rehabilitation is thought to reverse functional deterioration are discussed. Evidence is drawn from the authors’ own programme to support the theory that pulmonary rehabilitation can increase exercise tolerance and general wellbeing. A descriptive account of pulmonary rehabilitation for the acute hospitalisation phase is provided in chapter 3. In the subsequent chapter a description of a community-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme is given. The last two chapters deal with the coronary artery by-pass graft patient and the heart transplant patient. An overview of the physical therapy intervention for both cases is given in the context of the total care from the multidisciplinary team. Very useful guide lines are given for all stages of the rehabilitation programme. Overall the book provides very useful descriptive information on cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. The rationale for the programmes and their various components is given, and the need for evaluation of the effectiveness of this type of intervention is acknowledged. The book should be essential reading for any physiotherapist involved in setting up pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation programmes and would also be a very useful reference for students and researchers. Patricia McCoy MEd MCSP DipTP