How to Safely Keep the COPD and Sport Active

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease characterized by persistent air flow constraints. COPD patients often reduce their activity because of respiratory difficulties, but long-term inaction leads to muscle atrophy, reduced cardiovascular function and lower overall quality of life. Therefore, safe and active activity is an important health task for people living with COPD. This paper will explore how COPD patients can remain active through sport while ensuring safety. The greatest challenge faced by people living with the COPD when they exercise is the difficulty of breathing, and because of the narrow air lanes and damage to the pulmonary bubbles, patients feel short when they exercise physical activity. In addition, the COPD may lead to low aerobics (low oxygen content in blood) and high carbonate (high carbon dioxide content in blood), which may increase during exercise. 1. Before embarking on any sport programme, the COPD patient must discuss it with the doctor to ensure that it is appropriate for his or her health. Doctors may recommend a number of preliminary assessments, such as lung function tests, six-minute walking tests, etc., to assess the patient ‘ s motor tolerance. The COPD patients should choose aerobics with a low to medium intensity, such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc. These movements enhance CPR function while having a smaller impact on the joint. Power training is also important to help strengthen muscles and improve overall body capacity. 3. Respiratory control training allows patients to use their respiratory muscles more effectively during exercise and to reduce respiratory difficulties by learning abdominal and lip-closed breathing techniques. The campaign plan should be phased, starting with short-term, low-intensity activities, with a gradual increase in time and intensity. For example, it can start with a walk of 10 minutes per day, then gradually increase to 20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. 5. Monitoring of heart rate and breathing The use of heart rate monitors and breathing frequency can help COPD patients to exercise within safe limits. The monitoring of heart rate and breathing frequency ensures that patients are not overworked and helps them to understand their physical capacity limits. 6. Avoiding risks in the exercise. In the exercise, the COPD patients should avoid extreme weather conditions, such as overheating or overcooling environments, which may aggravate respiratory difficulties. Campaigns in areas with high or high air pollution should also be avoided. Alternatives to high-altitude training, while useful for some athletes, may be too dangerous for COPD patients. However, studies have shown that low-pressure module training, which simulates high-altitude environments, can enhance the motor resilience of the COPD patients without increasing health risks. 2. Synergy between sport and nutrition Nutrition is equally important for the movement performance of the COPD patients, for example, foods with antioxidants can help to reduce pneumonia, while adequate carbohydrates and protein intake can help muscle recovery and energy maintenance. In addition to the physical benefits of sport, its benefits to mental health also have a positive impact on the mental health of people living with COPD. Moderate sports can reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality and even cognitive functions. 4. Combining exercise with drug treatment. Certain drugs, such as long-activated β2 receptor agonists (LABAs) and long-activated anticholines (LAMAs), can improve the lung function of the COPD patients and make their exercise easier. Discussions with doctors on how to integrate drug treatment with sports programmes can maximize the impact of sports. Fourth, while the COPD presents many challenges, it is perfectly possible for patients to remain active within a safe environment through scientific sports and professional medical guidance. Bearing in mind that the situation of each COPD patient is unique, individualized sports programmes and continuous medical supervision are essential. Let’s take a breath of fresh air and move towards a healthier life.