Physical activity in spite of lung disease: types of sport and useful tips for a better quality of life

Physical activity and exercise play an important role in the treatment and management of lung diseases. Those affected can benefit from engaging in regular physical activity, since this strengthens the lungs, trains the respiratory muscles and increases general wellbeing. However, there are a few things to bear in mind in order to prevent overexertion. Find out which types of sport are particularly suitable and how those affected can exercise safely.

Why is physical activity important?
Engaging in physical activity may seem counterintuitive for people living with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD or fibrosis. However, many studies demonstrate that exercise can alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease in the long term. The positive effects include:

• Improved lung function: regular exercise helps to strengthen the respiratory muscles and increase lung capacity.
• Increased stamina: a higher level of fitness makes it easier to perform day-to-day activities.
• Fewer breathing difficulties: controlled exercise can help to stabilise breathing patterns.
• Mental health: physical activity boosts your mood and helps to prevent depression.

Types of sport suitable for people living with lung conditions
Not every type of sport is suitable for everyone with these conditions. The key is to pick activities that boost the circulation while not overwhelming the body. We can recommend the following types of sport:

• Hiking: this is an ideal combination of endurance training and outdoor exercise, especially in flat terrain or slightly hilly areas.
• Nordic walking: by using walking sticks, the upper body is more  engaged, which provides additional training for the respiratory muscles.
• Swimming: being in the water is particularly demanding for the respiratory muscles. At the same time, the water supports the weight of the body and reduces pressure on the joints.
• Cycling: be it on a stationary bike or outdoors, cycling is an excellent cardio workout.
• Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises: Yoga and Tai Chi combine gentle movements with breathing techniques and train breath control.

Important advice for exercising
To ensure that exercising has a positive effect on your health, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind:

• Individual pace: listen to your body. Finding out what the right pace is for you is essential to avoid overexerting yourself.
• Warm up: start each workout with a warm-up to gradually get your circulation going.
• Leave time for breaks: take breaks if you notice that your breathing difficulties are getting worse.
• Make sure you have a supply of oxygen: if necessary, use a mobile oxygen cylinder to ensure you have enough oxygen.
• Be aware of environmental conditions: avoid exercising in extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat, cold or high levels of air pollution.
• Regular check-ups: consult your doctor regularly to ensure that the type of sport you have chosen is still the right one for you.

What should you avoid?
High-intensity endurance sports such as marathons, mountaineering at high altitudes or high-impact weight training are often not advisable for people living with lung conditions. Activities like these can put too much strain on the body and cause acute problems.

So the bottom line is: stay active in spite of lung disease
The right physical activity can help those affected to improve their quality of life and relieve the symptoms of their illness. It is essential to listen to your body, not to overdo things and to liaise closely with your healthcare professional. An individually tailored exercise programme ensures that physical activity remains an important component in the treatment of lung diseases.