A randomized controlled trial of postthoracotomy pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with resectable lung cancer.

Introduction: Little is known about the effects of rehabilitation for patients with lung cancer after thoracotomy. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on quality of life (QOL) and secondary objectives were to determine its effects on pain and exercise capacity and the feasibility of combining rehabilitation with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods: Patients who had undergone a thoracotomy for lung cancer were randomized between rehabilitation and usual care.