Lungnet

Aerobic (endurance) exercise is a vital part of pulmonary rehabilitation. The types of exercise strongly recommended include walking and cycling. Walking is especially important as many aspects of daily life involve walking. People with COPD may experience breathlessness during activities that involve arm movements such as showering or lifting. For this reason arm exercise training is usually included.

Education sessions for participants and their families are also included in most programs. Topics may include:

• Information on the lungs and how they work
• Medications used to treat COPD
• Oxygen therapy
• The benefits of exercise
• Management of breathlessness and other symptoms
• Nutritional advice
• Relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce anxiety
• Accessing community recourses