Early inpatient-outpatient hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation following hospitalisation for acute exacerbations of COPD: a randomised controlled study

This study is testing whether starting a pulmonary rehabilitation program (a supervised exercise and education program) early after a hospital stay for a COPD flare-up leads to better outcomes. COPD is a chronic lung condition that causes breathlessness and frequent hospital admissions. Getting active again quickly after a flare-up may help people recover faster and stay out of hospital longer. Researchers want to compare early rehabilitation to standard care. You may be eligible if: - You have been diagnosed with COPD according to British Thoracic Society criteria - You experience breathlessness on exertion that interferes with daily activities - You are able to complete quality-of-life questionnaires You may NOT be eligible if: - You have another condition (such as severe angina or musculoskeletal problems) that prevents you from exercising - You have major cognitive problems that affect your thinking - You have a serious illness (such as cancer) that would make rehabilitation unhelpful Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.