WHY MUST I EXERCISE?
Exercising regularly will -
Reduce inflammation in the lungs
Improve lung capacity
Improve activity tolerance
Minimize hospitalizations
Increase strength & endurance
Reduce risk of serious illness
Improve oxygen transport to muscles
HOW DO I EXERCISE SAFELY?
Maintain saturation above 88%
Always exercise after warm up, include cool down
Use the Borgs scale for monitoring breathlessness
Use inhalers before exercise
HOW OFTEN MUST I EXERCISE?
Exercise must be performed 3-5 days a week
Exercise moderately for a total of 30-60 mins
WILL EXERCISE REDUCE MY SYMPTOMS?
Exercise reduces breathlessness, and reduces frequent desaturation. It also assists in mucous removal. Exercise help reduce severity of asthma attacks.
CAN I EXERCISE IF I AM ON OXYGEN SUPPORT?
Yes, exercise can be performed with oxygen support, but with certain precaution. You can also increase your oxygen supply as directed by your pulmonary physiotherapist.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXERCISE?
There are various types of exercise like- Aerobic exercise Strength training Endurance training Flexibility Balance Agility training
AEROBIC OR STRENGTH TRAINING?
Both are equally important. While aerobic exercise helps improve your functional capacity, strength training is just as important to improve muscle function.
WHICH AEROBIC ACTIVITY IS BEST? Running, jogging, brisk walking, cycling are all different forms of aerobic exercise. Consult your pulmonary physiotherapist to select an activity best suited to you.
SUMMARY
Exercise is a must for reducing risk of life threatening diseases, to prevent worsening of lung condition, to reduce frequent hospitalisations and to have a better quality of life
Exercise must be performed within safety limits and in conjunction with medicines
Exercise for a minimum of 30-60 mins total on 3-5 days in a week
A customised exercise program, well suited to individual symptoms and activity level is a must