Illness perceptions predict exercise capacity and psychological well-being after pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.

Objective: Patients' beliefs about their disease have been associated with emotional adjustment and outcomes in several severe illnesses. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether illness perceptions before pulmonary rehabilitation influence exercise capacity and quality of life after rehabilitation in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Ninety-six patients with COPD (GOLD III/IV) were approached on admission to rehabilitation and reassessed before discharge.