Exercise Can Actually Improve the COPD Patient's Functioning

Obviously, if you have the typical COPD symptom of shortness of breath on exertion, you should limit your physical activity. Right? Nope, wrong answer. According to research findings reported in Health Psychology and reported in Doctor's Guide, regular exercise can actually improve your health.

It seems logical that if you have shortness of breath upon physical exertion, then avoiding exertion should have a positive effect. Patients believe this, many physicians believe it, and it is generally recommended for COPD patients without exception. Like the old joke, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this." To which the doctor replies, " Then don't do that!", we tend to take a simplistic approach to medical decisions such as whether to exercise or not. However our logic in this instance is flawed.

Although exercise did not improve lung functioning, it did, according to the report, improve endurance. "People have more endurance and they can do more with their limited lung capacity," Charles Emery, co- author of the study and associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University stated. Emery explained. "We can't reverse the disease, but we can improve physical capacity."

The study also found that regular exercise improved cognitive functioning, according to the research findings. "One theory is that aerobic exercise enhances oxygenation of the bloodstream and brain, which can help some kinds of cognitive functioning such as verbal fluency. And because COPD patients often have trouble breathing, it was thought that exercise may help them deliver more oxygen to the bloodstream and brain."

The results showed that people who exercised also showed decreases in anxiety and depression, psychological symptoms which are often seen in COPD patients. Many people with COPD view life as hopeless, and as a result depression sets in and further restricts their ability to function normally. Anxiety over the future also influences their behaviors. It appears that regular exercise produces these effects, therefore actually improving their daily functioning.

While research into this phenomenon is ongoing, the results of the studies are promising. "Overall, this study clearly supports the benefits of exercise for COPD patients physiologically, psychologically and cognitively," according to Emery. Improvements in these areas lead to a better quality of life, and therefore a better outlook on their condition. While there is no cure, or even a way to reverse some of the damage done by COPD, an improved outlook can increase their day-to-day functioning and therefore their quality of life.

Of course, as with all treatments, before beginning any exercise program, talk to your personal physician and have him or her evaluate your overall medical condition and provide advice on the benefits and hazards of an aggressive exercise program. Follow your doctor's advice, for they know you and your overall condition better than anyone.

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