Exercises, performed regularly, can improve lung function and facilitate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Individuals with lung disease who work hard to breathe can easily become fatigued, making it especially important to understand ways to strengthen the muscles of breathing. Exercises to improve lung function can facilitate oxygenation to all the tissues of the body, in turn providing muscle strength and energy.
Engage in Regular Aerobic Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise improves lung function by also improving heart health. The cardio-respiratory system becomes more efficient with regular exercise. A healthy heart delivers oxygen throughout the body and the lungs because it pumps oxygen-rich blood efficiently. Aerobic activity also facilitates oxygen transport through the lungs by improving the cardio-respiratory system. Exercise is essential for boosting immunity to keep the lungs free from upper respiratory infections. Aerobic activities that improve lung function include brisk walking, cycling, swimming and running. Any activity that makes use of the large muscles is considered aerobic exercise.
Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises are essential for keeping the small sacs at the end of the airways, known as alveoli, open and healthy. Collapse of the small sacs, known as atelectasis, can inhibit exchange of oxygen. Sitting for prolonged periods and obesity can put a "squeeze" on the lungs and impair oxygen exchange. Deep breathing is also important for patients who undergo surgery or who are bedridden or otherwise ill, to prevent complications. Deep breathing is a conscious act that can be performed lying on the floor on your back. Take a deep breath slowly with one hand on the chest and one on the abdomen. When the belly fully expands and the lungs feel full, exhale slowly and repeat. Deep breathing is an important exercise to improve lung function that normally declines with aging.
Learn Yoga Breathing
The type of breathing practiced during yoga facilitates exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Yoga breathing was tested on individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Patients with lung disease experienced "favorable respiratory changes." The study is titled "Efficacy and Tolerability of Yoga Breathing in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A PILOT STUDY," and is published online in the March/April 2009 Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention (JCRP). Yoga breathing was well tolerated by individuals with lung disease, indicating that optimal health is not necessary to improve lung function with yoga breathing exercises. The technique involves use of the diaphragm, middle and then upper chest sequentially. Yoga breathing does not have to be performed lying down and is a consideration for individuals with disabilities.
Sing to Improve Lung Function
A small study, entitled "Effects of singing classes on pulmonary function and quality of life of COPD patients" and appearing December 2008 in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, showed that singing can improve quality of life for individuals with lung disease and concluded that singing can help preserve lung function related to expiratory pressure.
