INFOGRAPHIC: Strength Training for COPD

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) An umbrella term for espiratory diseases that affects 24 million Americans, which is over 7% of the U.S. population. These diseases include: Emphysema Chronic Bronchitis Asthma People with these conditions experience shortness of breath with relative ease and some have chronic coughs and chest tightněss. COPD can develop, from smoking, second-hand smoke, oř genetic causes. Unfortunately, the damage that comes with măny COPD cases is non-reversible. Besidęs the permanence of the damage, the concern with these serious respiratory diseases is that they can significantly alter quality of life. Furthermore, the damage could be progressive. People with these conditions can live a full life as long as they take action to managè their disease. How to Manage COPD? EXERCISE! Lower intensity physical activities, such as walking and cycling, has been used čo treat COPD For a long time with its ability to reduce general fatigue. Strength Training! According to a study from Spain, strength training is also useful for COPD patients. In the study, COPD patients performed cycling, strength training, or a combination of both for 12 weeks. The study participants were mostly male, 60-66 years old. Most people who develop COPD are older, so this age group is a realistic sample. fairly The cycling group improved their general level of. fatigue and aerobic endurance. The strength training and combined groups also improved fatigue and endurance while improving self-assessed mood, too. Benefits: 1. SELF-ASSESSED BREATHLeSsness All three groups benefitted in this area. However, strength training was able to achieve this as well, even when not accompanied by other lower intensity "aerobic" physical activities. 2. MOOD IMPROVEMENT Depression and anxiety are common in those who suffer from COPD and some types of COPD are irreversible, which can significantly decrease quality of life, and if not treated, could shorten life. Those who strength trained for just three months found themselves in better spirits. 3. веттеR GAАIT The COPD patients "shuffle wwalked" less after completing three months of strength training. Shuffle walking, when feet drag on the ground during walking, is a common sign of adults who have a high risk of falling. Falling is a major concern for aduts who are at least 60 years old. Considering that bone density decreases dramatically at this time, fractures often occur wheh falling. The researchers ultimately recommended that a combination program is best for COPD patients, with the idea that some of the lower intensity activities they used provided the best benefit for walking endurance, while strength training improved mood and gait. Reference: Ortega, Francisco, et al. "Comparison of effects of strength and endurance training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine 166.5 (2002): 669-674. THE PEREEC. WORKOUT" Personal Trainer Pasadena www.ThePerfectWorkout.com