Recommendation for respiratory diseases from the Turkish Thoracic Society

The Turkish Thoracic Society stated in an announcement that exercise training for respiratory diseases can help patients feel stronger and more energetic, improve heart function, and reduce fatigue and shortness of breath.

In a written statement issued by the association as part of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, it was noted that pulmonary rehabilitation is applied to chronic respiratory patients who experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, limitations in daily activities, and reduced exercise capacity.

The statement emphasized that this rehabilitation focuses on the effective management of symptoms related to respiratory disease or accompanying conditions. It aims to prevent the progression of the disease, reduce disease-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and functional impairment, increase competence in daily life activities, ensure participation, increase independence, and improve exercise tolerance and physical activity levels.

The statement listed the importance of exercising for respiratory diseases as follows:

"A decrease in exercise tolerance is one of the primary complaints of individuals with long-term respiratory disease. In these patients, inactivity caused by shortness of breath or fatigue leads to a gradual decline in bone and muscle content, heart and lung functions, and exercise capacity. With exercise training, muscle strength and endurance increase, allowing for longer walking distances; joints move better, relaxation is achieved, one feels stronger and more energetic, heart function improves, and fatigue and shortness of breath decrease. Furthermore, thanks to its positive effects on the body's defense system, protection against infections is provided. Patients with long-term respiratory problems can exercise safely through pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Exercise training includes endurance exercises such as walking, exercises to strengthen leg and arm muscles, and breathing exercises."

The statement indicated that a pulmonary rehabilitation program should be applied for at least 8 weeks, in two or three sessions per week, for a total of 24 sessions, and that longer programs may provide greater benefits.

News Source: AA