Living Life With COPD
COPD ConnEx, a Three-Phase exercise programWhat is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
According to GOLD, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, COPD is a “common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities”.
People with COPD have changes in their airways and lungs that result in persistent airflow limitation. That is, it is hard for people with COPD to blow air out of their lungs. These changes may be due to increased inflammation and mucus in the airways, which is termed chronic bronchitis, and/or they may be due to damage of the lung air sacs (alveoli), which is termed emphysema.
For some people, chronic bronchitis or emphysema may accurately describe their condition, and their healthcare professionals may even use the terms interchangeably with COPD. Often, it is a combination of both terms that accurately describes COPD. Some people may also experience the condition differently due to other changes to their lungs or airways. COPD will present differently from one person to the next - symptoms, disease severity, and disease progression will all vary depending on the individual. Everyone will therefore have a different experience of the disease.
Phases of the COPD ConnEx exercise program
1
Induction Phase
The induction phase will last 12 weeks, and sessions will occur once per week. The goal of this phase is to introduce safe, effective and functional movement, while understanding limits and possibilities. To develop a positive relationship with activity, introduce useful breathing techniques, affirm commitment to and self-efficacy in a healthy lifestyle.
2
Maintenance Phase
The maintenance phase will last 6 months, and sessions will occur twice per month. The goal of this phase is to continue to improve strength and endurance, introduce clients to community resources, ensuring they adopt an independent and healthy routine.
3
Independence Phase
The independence phase will last 3 months, and sessions will occur once per month. This phase will involve 3 monthly check-ins to ensure client is adhering to their positive and healthy lifestyle.
Importance of exercising for individuals with COPD
Motivation and advice on lifestyle and behaviour change is crucial to a successful program. Including and targeting the following elements and topics such as, stability and fall prevention, functional training for household chores, posture training and energy conservation principles to name a few, in an exercise program can help enhance self-efficacy during, and improve one’s ability to participate in, activities of daily living.
Topics covered during the COPD ConnEx program
- Pursed lip breathing (PLB) during exercise
- Posture training
- Energy conservation principles
- Breaking the anxiety-breathlessness cycle
- Preventing your COPD symptoms
- The "Healthy Plate" and potential problems to eating right
- Stability and fall prevetion
- Proprioception and barefoot training
- Co-ordination
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