Sarah Neuber PT, DPT, Dolores Buscemi MD, FACP
Exercise provides significant benefits for individuals with cardiopulmonary disease. The traditional standard of care involves referring patients to specialized centers that offer cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. This approach is recommended internationally and is endorsed by the World Health Organization. However, use of these programs remains suboptimal. Multiple studies indicate that home-based exercise programs can also be highly beneficial for patients, with a very low incidence of adverse events. In this review, we outline a structured home exercise program for individuals with cardiopulmonary disease, incorporating exercises tailored to varying functional levels. In addition, we review key safety considerations and strategies for exercise recovery management. This program may serve as a valuable resource for both clinicians and patients.
Keywords: Home exercise program, cardiopulmonary disease, cardiopulmonary function, chronic, pulmonary disease, cardiac disease
Article citation: Neuber S, Buscemi D. Cardiopulmonary home exercise program. The Southwest Journal of Medicine. 2026;14(61):12–20
From: Department of Physical Therapy, University Medical Center, Lubbock, TX (SN) Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX (DB)
Conflicts of interest: none
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