Active range of motion exercises are designed to maintain muscle and joint health after serious illness, injury or bed rest. For patients suffering from asthma, regular exercise may help reduce symptoms through strengthening the heart and lungs according to MayoClinic.com. Consult a doctor before engaging in a new ROM regimen.
Posture and Asthma
According to Angela Hicks, author of "5 Secrets of Health and Happiness: Chinese Wisdom to Nourish Your Life," asthma symptoms are affected by posture. Good posture opens the thoracic area, giving the lungs more room to breath. Bad posture increases pressure on the chest and lungs, making breathing more difficult even when asthma sufferers are not symptomatic.
Active ROM
Active refers to a person being able to perform the exercises themselves. If you have had a serious condition limiting movement over a lengthy period of time, you may need to have a caregiver perform passive ROM at first, to help maintain flexibility in joints and muscles. Once you learn the movements, start slowly with your active ROM routine. Makes sure all movements are smooth and slow at first. This is not an exercise program that pushes the limits of your body; stop if you feel any pain.
The Exercises
While ROM focuses on all joints and muscle groups, those suffering from asthma should pay particular attention to head and neck, shoulder and hip exercises to work on postural strength. Head and neck exercises include chin tucks, head turns and head tilts with your ears touching your shoulder. Shoulder exercises include shoulder shrugs, circles and reaching up over your head. Hip exercise brings the knee up to your chest as far as possible.
The Routine
Set aside several times each day to perform ROM exercises. These can be done anywhere and at any time, taking only five to 10 minutes per session. When performing exercises, maintain proper posture throughout each motion. Do not exert yourself to the point of triggering an asthma attack and be sure to get enough rest when you are done.
Benefits
Exercise increase blood flow, with your heart pumping stronger and more efficiently. If your movement is restricted for extended periods of time, infection may occur as oxygen and nutrients are not delivered through the blood as effectively. Asthmatics may already have weaker lungs, making it difficult to oxygenate the blood. Exercise also makes patients feel better with a more relaxed, happier mood, further aiding in the recovery process.
