Can walking lessen the risk of being hospitalized in COPD patients?

Posted by Marry Grover on July 31st, 2022

Among the several types of restrictive lung diseases, one of the most widespread conditions is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The illness makes breathing difficult for the patient and causes problems like shortness of breath, lack of energy, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections, and wheezing. Among the several treatment options for managing COPD, one is walking. Experts believe that COPD patients who go on regular walks are at a reduced risk of being hospitalized. To know why is that the case, read further!

Is walking helpful for COPD patients

While walking might be the last thing on the brain of a COPD patient, experts believe that it can help rev up the respiratory system. A new study on COPD revealed that people who walked for two to three miles per day were less likely to be admitted to the hospital. The research was published in Respirology and examined 543 COPD patients from a respiratory clinic. During the study, the scientists recorded the time each patient invested in walking during the week. People who walked at least three times weekly were divided into groups based on low, moderate, and high activity. 

In the period when they were observed, it was found that people who indulged in moderate to high-level exercise over time lowered their risk of being hospitalized. On the other hand, people who didn’t exercise so much were more prone to being admitted. From this, the researchers concluded that walking between three and six km per day helped improve the condition. “COPD patients are less likely to engage in regular physical activity than healthy individuals,” lead researcher Dr Cristóbal Esteban said. “However, regular exercise has been associated with reduced risk of hospitalization for exacerbated COPD and mortality among patients with COPD.”

Exercises help with COPD symptoms

Exercising regularly is beneficial for controlling COPD symptoms. But, not all patients with this problem can walk for 3 km daily. It is so because people are generally lazy when it comes to working out. Plus, when it comes to COPD patients, performing rigorous workouts or activities is not possible as it causes shortness of breath.

However, such people should still try to stay active during the day. For them, some exercise is better than none, and more activity is more beneficial than less. With that said, doctors treating this condition should remember that regular exercise can only be helpful if it is combined with proper drug therapy and a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Additionally, one should also make sure to stay away from smoking and chemical fumes to improve their health.

So this is why people who are suffering from COPD should regularly exercise and indulge in rigorous walking.