Pulmonary rehabilitation: Three types of exercises to reduce COPD symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an illness that causes symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. It is a progressive lung disease, meaning it gets worse over time. While there is no cure for COPD, the symptoms can be treated and the progression of the disease delayed.

Shortness of breath makes daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking, difficult for patients. As a result, many people with COPD lapse into a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of activity leads to deterioration of their health, worsening of symptoms, decreased muscle mass, and a decline in cardiovascular function. Many people with COPD also report feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of those with COPD. It can decrease symptoms associated with COPD, increase muscle strength and endurance, manage anxiety and depression, reduce difficulty in performing daily tasks, and thus improve patients' quality of life.

Exercise keeps chest muscles active and is the backbone of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The following are the types of exercise typically used:

Image Source: dynamicspurley.co.uk

Aerobic. This is defined as steady physical activity involving large muscle groups, usually performed at moderate intensity. Aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health, walking endurance, and breathing. Some examples of aerobic exercise are walking and using a stationary bicycle.

Image Source: torontofitnessassociates.com

Strength training. Muscle weakness is another common symptom of COPD. Strength training causes the muscles to contract against resistance and is performed to increase muscle mass and build muscle and bone strength. For those with COPD, resistance exercise builds endurance, helping make daily tasks easier. Squatting, walking with ankle weights, and performing arm curls with light dumbbells are some examples.

image Source: lafitness.com

Stretching. Stretching lengthens the muscles and prepares them for further exercise, decreasing the risk of injury, and enhances breathing coordination. In addition, exercises that incorporate stretching, such as yoga, may also help improve lung function in COPD patients for a short period.

People with COPD should talk to their doctors to rule out any contraindications and obtain medical clearance before embarking on a new exercise program.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in respiratory and critical care medicine. Learn more about respiratory health by subscribing to this blog.