Exploring Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs Implemented and Conducted in Latin America for People With Chronic Respiratory Conditions: A Scoping Review
Date
2025
Authors
Sepulveda Loyola, W.
Tang, C.Y.
Álvarez-Bustos, A.
Cuyul-Vásquez, I.
Smith, S.M.
Chadha, N.
Blackstock, F.
Camp, P.
Ensor, N.
Winter, A.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Conference item
Citation
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2025, vol.211, iss.Suppl. 1, pp.A3179-A3179
Statement of Responsibility
W. Sepulveda Loyola, C.Y. Tang, A. Alvarez-Buistos, I. Cuyul-Vasquez, S.M. Smith, N. Chadha, F. Blackstock, P. Camp, N. Ensor, A. Winter, G. Grzelkovski
Conference Name
American Thoracic Society International Conference (ATS) (16 May 2025 - 21 May 2025 : San Francisco)
Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>Background: Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in improving exercise tolerance, physical function and alleviating perceived dyspnea in individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, there is little understanding on the delivery of PR research programs in the Latin American region. This review analyzed 1) the implementation of PR research in Latin America, 2) adherence to established ATS criteria and 3) the evaluation of PR program effectiveness in the region. Methods: The literature search was conducted in six databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Scielo, Web of Science and Health and Medical Collection) up to January 2024, including studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. This review was reported and summarized using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR, 2022). The protocol was registered in OSF. Studies with adults from Latin America with any respiratory condition longer than three months, participating in any PR program were included. Results: Of the 1508 articles identified, 45 studies involving a total of 2067 individuals were analysed. The studies were conducted in Brazil (n=28), Colombia (n=9), Cuba (n=4), Chile (n=3) and Argentina (n=1). Most PR participants were individuals with COPD (86%). PR programs included aerobic exercise, resistance training, respiratory exercises and educational programs involving a multidisciplinary team. Quality of life, dyspnea, aerobic capacity and muscle strength were the main assessments included in the programs. Aerobic training was included in 39 studies (87%) and strength training in 32 studies (71%). Outcome measures included quality of life in 29 studies (64%), dyspnea in 40 studies (89%), aerobic capacity in 37 studies (82%) and muscle strength in 20 studies (44%). Twenty-six studies (58%) followed international recommendations for PR. Conclusion: A significant progress has been made in the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation research programs in Latin America However, disparities remain, particularly in the exercise modalities, assessments, professional team and adherence to international guidelines.</jats:p>
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© 2025 by the American Thoracic Society This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights)