Prof. Enrico Clini got his degree at the University of Milan in 1987 and specialized in Pulmonary Diseases and Pharmacology. He is Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine at the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, Italy. He also leads the Respiratory Department and Respiratory Intensive Care Unit at the Villa Pineta Hospital and Foundation, Gaiato, Modena, Italy, since 2001. His main research fields are: pulmonary rehabilitation, pharmacology of asthma and COPD; physiopathology of asthma, COPD and Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency; non-invasive ventilation during acute and chronic respiratory insufficiency; Intensive Respiratory Unit organization and activities.

Prof. Anne E. Holland is Professor at the College of Science, Health and Engineering, Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, Alfred Health Clinical School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. She leads a research program that aims to optimize health and wellbeing for people with cardiorespiratorydisease, based at the Alfred Health Clinical School. Anne's research is investigating new models for pulmonary rehabilitation, including low cost home-based models and tele-rehabilitation, as well as defining the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in new populations such as interstitial lung disease. Her research interests mainly focus on Chronic respiratory disease and Pulmonary rehabilitation.

Prof. Fabio Pitta is professor of Respiratory Physiotherapy at the State University of Londrina, Brazil. He got his degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Londrina, Brazil, and then got a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, in 2005. He coordinates the Laboratory for Research in Respiratory Physiotherapy and supervises PhD and MSc students in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Sciences post-graduation programs at the State University of Londrina, Brazil. His main research interests are the effects of exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic respiratory disease, as well as the assessment and promotion of physical activity in different populations.

Part I Introductory Aspects. 1 Historical and geographical perspectives.- 2 Current concepts and definition.- Part II Participants. 3 Identifying candidates for PR.- 4 The complexity of a respiratory patient (including CMBs and the challenge of integration of different GLs).- Part III Assessment. 5 Assessment of exercise capacity.- 6 Assessment of muscle function.- 7 Assessment of Patient Reported Outcomes. 8 Assessment of Physical activity.- 9 Multidisciplinary assessment.- Part IV Program components. 10 Exercise training in PR (including alternative strategies).- 11 Nutrition in PR.- 12 Occupational therapy in PR.- 13 Role of the psychologist in PR.- 14 The Respiratory Nurse in PR.- 15 The physical activity coach in PR.- 16 Breathing exercises and mucous clearance techniques in PR.- 17 Self-management in PR.- 18 Inspiratory muscle training.- Part V Outcomes & expected results.19 Patient-centered outcomes.- 20 Economical and other outcomes.- 21 Combined outcome assessment.- PartVI Organization. 22 Conventional programs, setting, cost and staffing (including early PR and maintenance).- 23 Contemporary alternative settings (including advance care planning).- Part VII Specific scenarios.24 Thoracic Oncology and surgery.- 25 Transplantation. 26 ICU.- 27 CF.- 28 ILDs and Neuromuscular diseases.- 29 Perspectives in pulmonary rehabilitation.

This book provides up-to-date knowledge on all aspects of the multidisciplinary approach to pulmonary rehabilitation that is essential in order to achieve optimal results. It will be an ideal resource especially for pulmonologists in training, but will also be of value for physiotherapists, other health care professionals, and technicians. Detailed information is presented on the diverse program components in pulmonary rehabilitation, with clear explanation of the roles of the nutritionist, psychologist, occupational therapist, respiratory nurse, and physical activity coach. Guidance is provided on identification of candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation and on all aspects of assessment, including exercise capacity, muscle function, and physical activity. Patient-centered, economic, and other outcomes are examined, with separate discussion of combined outcome assessment. Furthermore, due consideration is given to organizational aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation and to rehabilitation in specific scenarios, e.g., thoracic oncology and surgery, transplantation, and the ICU. The authors are internationally recognized experts selected for their expertise in the topics they discuss.