Exercise as it relates to Disease/The importance of exercise for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is COPD?
COPD is a condition caused by poor lung function which results in difficulty breathing(1). The two main types of COPD are:(1)
 * 1) Chronic bronchitis: long term inflammation of airways
 * 2) Emphysema: loss of elasticity in airways

Can I still exercise with COPD?
Yes! Patients with COPD are less likely to be active and limit activities that cause shortness of breath(1). BUT it is important to follow an exercise program to improve breathing and the ability to carry out daily activities(1).

What is the best type of ‘cardio’ exercise for me?
With COPD, the amount of time in which you can comfortably exercise for may be reduced(1), so you may find that during long, continuous exercise you have to rest(2). This means that one of the best ways to exercise is interval training, which alternates periods of work and rest(1)

How can interval exercise help?
Interval training can improve your:
 * ability to perform daily activities and quality of life(1)
 * feeling of breathlessness during exercise(3)
 * overall exercise time(4)
 * work interval time before you need to rest(4)

Exercise recommendations
Walking is a great way to get started because it is simple and no equipment is needed(5). The following program can be used as a guide but is important to have an indicidualised program made with the help of an exercise physiologist.

General 'cardio' program for a patient with COPD(1)

Other tips that may be helpful to complete exercise

 * Pursed lipped breathing (2), which involves sealing the lips and breathing through the nose, may help reduce the feeling of breathlessness during and after exercise.

For more information

 * The Australian Lung Foundation - Save your breath booklet Phone: 1800 654 301
 * To contact local Exercise Physiologists - Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Phone:(07) 3856 5622