Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating respiratory condition marked by persistent airflow limitation, reduced exercise tolerance, and frequent exacerbations, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone in the non-pharmacological management of COPD, known to improve physical function, reduce dyspnea, and enhance psychological well-being. A key determinant of PR success is the accurate assessment of baseline exercise capacity to ensure that exercise prescriptions are safe, effective, and individually tailored.