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.

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 cardiorespiratory disease, 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.