Respiratory rehabilitation can be defined as long term evaluation and
therapy. This definition has evolved considerably from earlier and more
restrictive attempts to delineate the discipline. Currently, respiratory
rehabilitation involves evaluation techniques and treatment strategies
which utilize the benefits gained from exercises, but without being
limited to it. Respiratory muscle training, non-invasive mechanical
ventilation, bronchodilator drugs, and metabolic balance and maintenance
of nutrition are just a few of the topics covered in this book. The
editors have organized the text to provide an updated review of the
topic and indicate many areas in need of development and exploration in
the years ahead. The information provided is easily accessible to a
broad spectrum of readers, including clinicians, researchers,
pharmacologists, technicians and therapists.