Summary: Pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease SummaryAccording to ERS and ATS recommendations, pulmonary rehabilitation has been defined as a comprehensive program which is individually patient focused and includes exercise training, education and behavior change. It has been found to help improve the physical and psychological condition of people with chronic respiratory disease and to promote long-term adherence to health-enhancing behaviors. Rehabilitation relieves dyspnea and fatigue, improves emotional function and enhances the sense of control that individuals have over their condition. Overall, evidence of high quality shows moderate to large effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on health-related quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with COPD after an exacerbation.