Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes According to Employment Status in Individuals with COPD: A Prospective Exploratory Study

Background and Purpose: As the workforce ages, facilitating the integration of medical care and occupational activities is a key concern for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although dyspnea is associated with reduced work productivity, the relationship between employment status and the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation remains unclear. This study examined whether changes in exercise capacity and dyspnea following pulmonary rehabilitation differed according to employment status in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.