Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that causes shortness of breath, fatigue and decreased ability to do day-to-day activities. Most people with COPD are less physically active than the Canadian guidelines recommend.
Physical activity and lung disease
Current Canadian guidelines recommend doing light- to moderate-intensity physical activity on 3 to 5 days per week and working up to 30-minute bouts on each day.
Regular physical activity, such as gardening, walking, and cycling, can help improve:
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle endurance
- Mood
- Overall quality of life
Useful resources
COPD Post Discharge English Rehab Exercise (Providence Health, Canada)
This online video will offer advice and suggestions to persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on how to start an exercise program and increase activity levels.
Living Well with COPD – Get Moving and Breathe Easy (McGill University Health Centre, Canada)
The objective of this brochure is to help persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their families increase their level of daily physical activity on a long-term basis.
Living Well with COPD – A Plan of Action for Life (McGill University Health Centre, Canada)
This is a learning tool for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their families that teaches them how to maintain an exercise program for life.
Understanding Diet, Exercise and Lung Disease (National Jewish Health Institute, USA)
A booklet that teaches you how to become more active and eat a healthier diet.
Rx for Health Series (Exercise Is Medicine, USA)
This webpage consists of handouts on physical activity for various chronic conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The handouts are intended to be used with a health care provider and/or qualified exercise professional and available in English and Spanish.
