Keep active

home exercises

  • Click here to read or print out some home exercises that may be done sitting or standing. Time these exercises to suit your own rate of breathing. If you get breathless, rest in a position with your shoulders supported and wait until the breathlessness eases.

travelling with copd

  • It is important to take particular care of your breathing when travelling. Ensure you are well prepared with your prescribed medications. If you are planning an aeroplane trip the doctor will need to assess you to see if oxygen will be required on the plane. All airlines carry oxygen but there are strict regulations and they need to be notified beforehand.

Remaining active with copd

Regular exercise is very important in helping you to keep well. Although being somewhat short of breath with exercise is uncomfortable, it is not harmful. When you exercise your muscles regularly, they are able to do more work on less oxygen.

Your doctor should assess you before you start on an exercise programme, and may advise you to take some reliever medication before exercise to help you to do more. Many local Asthma Societies run exercise classes especially for people with long-term breathing difficulties. It is an excellent way of meeting people in a supportive environment.

Your doctor or asthma society will also be able to advise you about local facilities, such as your hospital physiotherapy department, which may hold pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, which are well worth attending for people with moderate to severe COPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes work

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a programme of education and exercise which usually runs for 6 weeks. Everyone with COPD should attend at least one programme to ensure they understand all they need to know about COPD and how to manage it. The programmes are usually run by respiratory departments at the hospital although some areas have community programmes. Ask your doctor or your local asthma society what is available in your area.

We have recently summarised international evidence to support the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes into a report format. This was in an effort to improve access to programmes for people with COPD, especially in rurual areas. Every DHB throughout New Zealand has been sent a copy of this report. Click here to read the document.

Keeping up the good work

Exercise should be enjoyable. Choose something that you enjoy. Walking suits many people with COPD. Swimming or riding an exercycle may be enjoyable ways to exercise both your upper and lower body. Start with a short distance initially, with as many rests as you need. Begin any programme at a comfortable pace, which enables you to control your breathing and talk if you wish. Exercise regularly and increase your distance or time slowly as your fitness improves.

Make it part of your daily routine and you will soon notice the benefits. Aim to gather 30 minutes of exercise each day. Your physiotherapist will be a good source for guidance on type and length of time.