For overburdened health care systems seeking ways to decrease hospital readmissions, a recent study linking exercise and lower hospital readmission rates for COPD patients is indeed welcome news. Although the study does not categorically state a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the findings do show a strong correlation between physical activity and the rate of readmission within a 30-day period.

Encouraging Findings

The study defined active patients as those who exercised for at least half an hour a day for five days a week (150 minutes). COPD patients in this group were up to 34 percent less likely to be readmitted to hospitals within a one-month period. Additionally, even the patients who exercised for less than half an hour a day lowered their risk of readmission by 33 percent compared to COPD sufferers who didn’t engage in any type of physical activity.

The Dilemma

COPD patients are often caught in a bind about exercise. Many sufferers refrain from physical activity because they are afraid it would trigger breathing problems. But if they start slow and stop as soon as they start to feel uncomfortable, there’s no reason they can’t embark on a regular exercise regimen.

Remember that your muscles get weak without exercise and weak muscles need more oxygen. So by not exercising, people with COPD may actually be making their condition worse.

Little Steps Can Lead to Great Strides

Before starting any exercise routine, it’s important for patients to check with their doctor. In the beginning, they may want someone, such as a friend or family member, to accompany them just in case something adverse unexpectedly occurs.

Walking is an excellent exercise for COPD sufferers to try because they can do it just about anywhere – in a mall, around the house, on a treadmill, etc. The distance is not important; in the beginning, it’s about getting leg muscles moving and oxygen flowing to all muscle groups. If they’re more confident, they can try riding a bike.

Simple arm curls and leg extensions, forward arm raises and calf raises go a long way in getting someone in shape without causing shortness of breath. If they love the water, they can try water aerobics. Tai chi is another good exercise to explore; it gets you in shape and in touch with your inner self.

Rodriguez MD is a family medical clinic in Lawrenceville, Ga. We can help you cope with a myriad of potentially debilitating conditions, including COPD. We employ the use of advanced medical technology for quick diagnosis and individualized treatment plans. We can also assist you with safe and effective medical weight loss.