User:DayWalsh/Recommendations - How to manage COPD/exercise training

Generally, a pulmonary rehabilitation exercise program will be prescribed based on the results from the initial assessment. A physiotherapist will recommend the type, intensity, length and frequency of exercise the patient should do (22). A normal session will include a warm-up, followed by some aerobic exercise, some strengthening exercises for the arms and legs and a cool down (22).

Aerobic exercises may include some walking, cycling or stepping. Walking is the most widely used as it is used in may Activities of Daily Life (22).

One study found that supervised, progressed walk training resulted in significantly greater increases in endurance capacity compared to supervised, progressed cycle training in people with COPD (19). This is a significant finding as walk training is simple, readily available, and required no equipment.