Sports activity and respiratory diseases

Edited by Dr. Gianfranco De Angelis

A category of patients for whom physical activity could represent a therapeutic aid for the doctor is that of chronic broncho-pneumatic patients. In this type of patients the ability to perform aerobic work is very compromised; in fact, the maximum consumption of oxygen has decreased, while the maximum anaerobic power is normal.On this basis, many authors state that only physiokinesitherapy should be performed with this type of patient.

On the other hand, other authors argue, bringing scientific evidence on the fact that controlled physical activity can take place in the doctor's therapeutic armamentarium. It has in fact been seen that in chronic bronchitis, following training, there is an increase in maximum consumption. of oxygen and an increase in pulmonary ventilation; the positive effects of physical activity in such patients should therefore be emphasized. Before saying what physical activity is recommended in the presence of COPD, it must be premised that it should be dosed taking into account the age of the patient and above all the degree of disease, considering the functional capacity and the subjective symptoms. In general, the subject symptomatic pneumatic bronchus must first do some respiratory gymnastics exercises to improve the excursion of the diaphragm and tone the respiratory muscles; then, after a specialist check-up, he can gradually begin physical activity with a cycle ergometer. After these two phases, if his physical conditions permit, he can practice real sports: the most suitable are tennis and swimming.

In physical programming, space must be given to an excellent warm-up and cool-down, avoiding maximal or strenuous exercises. Personally, I believe that a gradual weight training can be done, but this training program must be composed of simple exercises that are not very heavy. This is because the discontinuity of the training allows the patient to rest well between one series and another. , the weights must be limited and the average repetitions 12-15; the number of exercises low; the exercises that cause too much fatigue (such as the squat) must be abolished, as well as any form of competition. Clearly everything must be dosed taking into account the patient's conditions, which can be highlighted with functional tests, clinical examination and subjective symptoms.