Investigating the Role of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Cognition in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by respiratory symptoms and problems, but it may also cause mild cognitive impairment in patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on cognition in patients with COPD. REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of 4 databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science from inception to April 2024 was conducted. The review included studies investigating the effect of PR on cognition in patients with COPD. Two reviewers independently examined the titles and abstracts and extracted the data using a standardized form. SUMMARY: Our systematic review included 10 studies comprising 346 patients with COPD and 190 controls. Results provide evidence that PR may have an effect on cognitive function in patients with COPD, particularly when combined with cognitive training. However, the heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes underscores the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to inform the development of effective interventions for improving cognitive function in patients with COPD.