CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma is a condition in which airflow obstruction reduces the ability to sufficiently empty the lungs. According to the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM), the lack of exercise contributes to disability in COPD. Exercise training is a major component of pulmonary rehabilitation programs today and is known to be safe and effective in improving physical capacity, quality of life, and managing COPD. Aerobic exercise (riding a stationary bike or walking) and resistance exercise (lifting a light weight with the arms or legs) can help restore and maintain functional independence in COPD. ACSM supports the viewpoint that light to moderate physical activity (30 minutes a day, on most, if not all days of the week) will greatly help in improving the quality of life in persons managing COPD. Exercise cannot reverse the physiologic and structural deficits in COPD, but it can reduce the severity of the condition by improving physical endurance and strength, as well as breathing efficiency and tolerance, especially in patients with severe conditions. Working out with SIT AND BE FIT is an excellent start to a regular exercise routine because it uses functional fitness to improve breathing and overall strength.

            Recommended SIT AND BE FIT exercises for those who have experienced COPD:

The SIT AND BE FIT COPD Workout is currently being updated.  E-mail gwp@sitandbefit.org if you would like to receive notification when the new COPD Workout becomes available.

Look at these articles for information on exercises: Chair Exercises for Seniors, Upper Body Exercises, Neck Exercises, and Arm Exercises