Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can be an effective programme for people with COPD.1 It includes exercise as a key component, but some programmes include other interventions such as assessment, education, psychological support and dietary advice.1
PR may make a difference in how you feel and how well you cope with your symptoms.2,3
What to expect from a PR course2–5
8 to 16 people
PR courses usually take place in small, friendly groups of people.
Usually twice a week for 6 to 8 weeks
Sessions usually run twice a week for 6 to 8 weeks.
2 hours
Each session lasts approximately 2 hours.
Hospitals or Community centers
May be held in local venues like hospitals, community halls or leisure centres – and you don’t need any special equipment or gym gear.
Each session is split into two parts:2–4
Gentle, supervised exercise designed to provide the right level of activity for you. Remember that getting out of breath is part of the therapy and you won’t be asked to do more than you can safely manage.
Practical advice, such as learning how to stay positive about being active and understanding why it matters, managing your treatments effectively, knowing what to do during a flare-up, and finding ways to cope with low mood or lack of motivation.
You might also be given exercises you can do at home at your own pace.4
How can PR help my COPD?
PR may help people with COPD live better. For example, it might help you:2,3
Help you cope with breathlessness
Improve your muscle strength
Improve fitness so you feel more confident to do everyday tasks
Improve your mental wellbeing
Reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital due to an infection or flare up
Around 90% of people who complete a PR course become more active, improve their exercise capacity, and report a better quality of life.5
What will I learn in pulmonary rehab for COPD?
As well as exercise, you’ll learn valuable techniques to manage your COPD, such as:2–4
Breathing exercises like pursed-lips breathing and yoga
Tips to manage stress, low mood or low motivation
Ways to eat well, stay positive, and stop smoking
You may also learn ways to help clear mucus from your lungs
You’ll also meet others living with COPD, which many people find supportive and motivating.
For other tips on lifestyle changes, why not visit our pages on living with COPD.
What happens after the course?
Once you’ve completed PR, it’s important to keep using what you’ve learned. Staying active, practising your breathing techniques, and following a healthy lifestyle can help you carry on feeling the benefits long after the course ends.2
Speak to your healthcare team to find out if it’s suitable for you.
It might help to write down your questions before your appointment using your discussion list.
Could pulmonary rehabilitation help you?
If you’re living with COPD, PR could help you feel stronger, more in control, and better able to enjoy life.
Healthcare team could include a GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, dietitian, occupational therapist, counsellor and stop smoking advisor.
Healthcare team could include a GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, dietitian, occupational therapist, counsellor and stop smoking advisor.
Abbreviations:
References:
- McCarthy B, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015;2:CD003793.
- Asthma + Lung UK. What are the treatments for COPD? https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-are-treatments-copd. Accessed November 2025.
- Asthma + Lung UK. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/keeping-active/pulmonary-rehabilitation. Accessed November 2025.
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Pulmonary rehabilitation. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pulmonary-rehabilitation. Accessed November 2025.
- NHS. Pulmonary rehabilitation. https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/clinical-policy/respiratory-disease/pulmonary-rehabilitation/. Accessed November 2025.