COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can be a result of chronic bronchitis, emphysema or any other condition that restricts airflow and emptying of the lungs. Activities that raise the heart rate can be scary for those with COPD, but consistent exercise will increase oxygen consumption and make the activities of daily living easier. The American Council on Exercise advises that all activities start with a light warm-up of stretching or cardiovascular exercise. Keep activity light, below the point where breathing is difficult. Work out four to five days per week for 20 to 30 minutes or a few ten-minute bouts per day.
Cycling
Indoor stationary cycling is a good initial form of exercise. Dr. Harry Bass, director of Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, initially places his pulmonary patients on stationary bikes for three 10-minute exercise bouts a day. He states that after 18 weeks they can exercise continuously for 30 to 45 minutes. This very gradual increase in exercise helps increase oxygen capacity so less oxygen is needed to do the same amount of work.
Swimming
Swimming is an ideal exercise because it allows clients to inhale moist air. This opens up the bronchioles in the lungs and allows for better oxygen exchange. Indoor pools are best because the moisture lingers close to the surface of the water, while outdoors it may evaporate more rapidly. Swimming is very low impact, but even an act like treading water can increase heart rate enough to achieve cardiovascular gains for someone with COPD.
Walking
Walking is a total body workout involving upper body, legs and core. As with other forms of cardiovascular activity, start slow. The rate of percieved exertion, or RPE, is a scale of one to 10 that describes how hard you are working during exercise. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you walk at level three to four, or moderate to somewhat heavy. Have a distance goal rather than a time goal. Try increasing 10 feet per exercise session. Start with three small bouts per day. Avoid walking outside in extreme weather, pollution or high allergy seasons, as it can hinder breathing.
Resistance Training
Even though it is not directly a cardiovascular activity, resistance training will increase your heart rate to elicit further gains in oxygen consumption. It will also increase muscular endurance and strength, keep bones strong, and raise your metabolism. Resistance training can include free weights and dumbbells, resistance tubing and bands, and weight machines. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends starting with one set of exercises for each muscle group, progressing to two or three sets as exercise becomes easier. Complete eight to 12 repetitions on at least two days per week.
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