The Importance Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Within Ild...

The body is composed of various systems that work together to maintain a homeostatic environment. The respiratory system and cardiovascular system in specific, are responsible for distributing respiratory gases throughout the body in attempt to maintain acid-base balance levels between the optimal range of 7.35 and 7.45. Exercise imposes physiological strains on the body such as oxygen depletion and increase carbon dioxide concentrations, which alter the pH balance. This homeostatic change stimulates various responses within these two systems to neutralize its effects. Exercise training however, can positively influence the capacity of cardiovascular and respiratory systems to tolerate increasing levels of intensity with less physiological effort thus improving their efficiency. Inflammatory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) are shown to stifle efficient pulmonary ventilation and detriment one’s ability to cop e with exercise. Although evidence supporting the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation within ILD patients is limited, functional capacity and psychological wellbeing have been shown to improve immediately following the rehabilitative programs. Pulmonary rehabilitative programs are based on the pulmonary and circulatory improvements associated with exercise to help such discomforting conditions and guide further research. The respiratory system contributes to homeostasis by managing the gaseous