Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Asthma Patients in Indonesia: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction, significantly impacting the quality of life (QoL) and economic productivity in Indonesia. While pharmacological management remains the primary approach, Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is increasingly utilized as a vital non-pharmacological supplement. Method: This literature review synthesized research from databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar through December 2025. The analysis focused on adult populations (≥15 years) and evaluated PR components such as breathing exercises, aerobic training, and education. Results: Eight studies involving 189 patients were reviewed. The findings consistently show that PR interventions—particularly breathing techniques like Pursed Lip, Diaphragmatic, and Buteyko methods—significantly improve lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and QoL. Aerobic exercises like HIIT and asthma-specific gymnastics also showed positive outcomes in asthma control. Conclusion: PR serves as a holistic, patient-centered intervention that reduces the national disease burden in Indonesia. While breathing exercises and education are well-integrated, intensive physical modalities like cycling and strength training remain underutilized and require further investigation regarding their safety and efficacy in the Indonesian clinical context