LIVING WITH
COPD
EXERCISE AND BREATHING
Exercise
Always speak to medical experts before starting an exercise program if you have COPD to make sure you do the right exercise for your individual needs. 24
When you have COPD, exercise training focuses on improving your endurance, muscle strength and flexibility. As your muscles become conditioned, and your heart and lungs become stronger, your breathing difficulty and fatigue will improve. 23
| Cycling and walking |
Cycling and walking exercises remain the most common form of endurance exercise. Three to five times per week is recommended, for 20 to 60 minutes. 23,24 If you have difficulty with continuous training, try interval training – periods of more intense training that are separated by rest or training at a lower intensity. 23,24 |
| Resistance training / strength training |
Resistance training/strength training is another modality of exercise used in pulmonary rehabilitation. It involves training with resistive loads (free weights, weight machines or resistance (elastic) bands) with repetitions, and loads are increased from time to time. 23,24 The benefit of strength training is that you may experience less difficulty breathing during your exercise, making it easier to continue. Resistance training helps improve muscle mass and bone mineral density. 23 It is recommended to do strength training on 2 or 3 days each week, with 2–4 sets of 10–15 repetitions of each exercise. 24 |
| Stretching exercises | Stretching exercises to improve flexibility of the major upper and lower limb muscle groups on 2–3 days a week is also recommended for people with COPD. 24 |
You may be told to use pursed-lip breathing while you exercise – always discuss this with your medical team first. 27
Breathing exercises
One study found that when prescribed daily breathing exercises with a spirometer, users experienced a 16 % increase in maximal inspiratory volume (capacity to breathe in) over 30 days and needed medical support less often. 17 Breathing exercises can also help with better exercise capacity and general quality of life. 24
The is a range of breathing techniques that may be helpful in COPD, including: 24
- Active expiration
- Pursed-lip breathing
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Adapting certain body positions and coordinating paced breathing with activities
The breathing strategies that are best for you will be determined by your medical expert team, so always ask for tailored options to be included in your COPD Action Plan. As your lung function changes, your breathing exercises might also change. 24