Transplant Talk: Understanding Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Lung Transplant Patients

When most of us hear that we are required to attend Pulmonary Rehab as part of our lung transplant workup, we have a lot of questions! Questions like: If I can’t breathe, how can I exercise? Should I eat before my sessions? And how will my safety be monitored? Let’s learn the answers together!

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, we heard an illuminating talk about Pulmonary Rehab with Jenna F, DPT, the head of Provider Relations and Physical Therapy at FlexTogether, an interdisciplinary tele-rehab practice featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapy appointments to help patients breath strong. We also heard from bilateral lung transplant recipient Caroline David. Caroline received her transplant in 2021 from St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. She was eager to share her Pulmonary Rehab experiences both pre- and post-transplant. Most notably how she was able to continue to hike trails in Central WA, walk, and explore new and unexpected activities along the way!

Please note, that this recorded talk covers the benefits of attending Pulmonary Rehab before and after your lung transplant.

Key Points for Transplant Talk Understanding Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR)

A medically supervised program to improve the quality of life for individuals with lung diseases, including lung transplant recipients.

Source: 1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Lung Therapy, Procedures & Results – Cleveland Clinic my.clevelandclinic.org

Goals of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Reduce shortness of breath.
• Improve exercise tolerance.
• Strengthen muscles.
• Enhance overall well-being.

Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Increased physical activity.
• Reduced frailty.
• Improved quality of life.
• Reduced mortality risk.

Types of Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

• In-person: Typically hospital-based, involves group sessions with exercise and education.
• Telehealth: Virtual programs, like Flex Together, offer personalized one-on-one sessions.

Flex Together Program: A comprehensive telehealth practice expanding access to respiratory rehab

• Features: Weekly sessions, customized exercise plans, and ongoing support.
• Benefits: Convenience, flexibility, and individualized care.
• Safety: Monitored vital signs, and adherence to safety protocols.

Patient Experience in Pulmonary Rehab:

• Initial evaluation: Assessment of health history, goals, and physical capabilities.
• Exercise sessions: Guided exercises tailored to individual needs.
• Support: Ongoing support and monitoring.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes:

• Improved physical strength and endurance.   1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Before and After Pulmonary Transplantation | PM&R KnowledgeNow now.aapmr.org
• Reduced breathlessness.
• Enhanced quality of life.
• Positive patient testimonials.

Overall, pulmonary rehabilitation is a valuable tool for lung transplant recipients to improve their physical and mental well-being. Both in-person and telehealth options are available, allowing patients to choose the most suitable approach based on their individual needs and preferences. Please ask your transplant center about their Pulmonary Rehab requirements before selecting an online program.