Exercise, Confidence-Building Programs Help COPD Patients Increase Activity

Researchers in Illinois and Michigan found that combining exercise classes and confidence-building programs can help individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase their physical activity.

During their study, researchers split individuals with COPD into three groups. One group did upper-body resistance exercises along with participating in a self confidence-building program, the second group did upper-body resistance training and participated in health education and the third group performed gentle armchair exercises and took part in health education classes. The researchers used a device similar to a pedometer to determine that the patients who attended the self confidence-building courses were able to increase their light physical activity.  To learn more, click here.

The most recent issue of ProMed's exclusive magazine, Embrace, also featured an article on the causes of and treatment options for COPD. To read it in its entirety, click here.