Exercise for COPD (including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) is an umbrella term for a number of chronic lung conditions that obstruct the normal flow of air through the respiratory system. These include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and chronic asthma. Common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, chronic cough and excessive sputum production. COPD is often associated with other significant effects on the body such as loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopaenia), reduced physical fitness and reduced bone mineral density (osteopaenia and osteoporosis).

Is exercise safe if I have COPD?

For most people living with COPD, exercise is a safe and effective form or treatment. Some specific considerations must be acknowledged in patients with COPD and it is recommended that all patients with COPD consult with an exercise physiologist prior to commencing an exercise program. An exercise physiologist will be able to perform exercise testing to assess your current capacity for physical activity and provide specific exercise prescriptions for you as an individual.

What type of exercise is best for patients with COPD?

In general, an exercise program consisting of both aerobic and resistance exercise achieves the greatest outcomes in patients with COPD. The specific prescription of exercise is based on the findings of an assessment performed by an exercise physiologist and is individual to each patient. General exercise recommendations include:
• 20-60 minutes of aerobic exercise most days per week, with exercise intensities based on dyspnoea scales (measures of shortness of breath) and measurements of oxygen saturation in the blood.
• 20-30 minutes of resistance training (strength exercise) with weights, resistance bands or bodyweight on at least two days per week.