ObjectiveTo observe the curative effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with stable moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsSixty-four patients with stable moderate to severe COPD who visited during January 2016 and December 2017 were recruited in the study. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 32 cases in each group. The spirometry was conducted in all patients. The right deep inspiratory end diaphragm thickness and the quiet end expiratory diaphragm thickness were measured by ultrasound, and the diaphragm thickness fraction (DTF) was calculated. The routine drug treatment was given in both groups. The comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation treatment was given in the observation group (include breath training, exercise training, health education and nutrition guide). The pulmonary function, diaphragm function, severity and quality of life were evaluated before and 6 months later after the treatment.ResultsIn the observation group, the predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%pred), FEV1/FVC ratio and DTF were all significantly improved compare with before treatment and the control group (all P<0.05). While the BODE index was significantly declined compare with before treatment and the control group (all P<0.05).ConclusionPulmonary rehabilitation treatment can help improve pulmonary function, diaphragm function, condition of the disease and quality of life.