According to the Journal of Applied Physiology, "strength-training maneuvers may have other associated benefits. They may not only strength train the diaphragm but also strengthen the muscles of the rib cage, abdominal wall, and upper extremities. The increase in PEmax is consistent with a strength training effect on the expiratory muscles of the rib cage and abdomen. The small increase in biceps muscle circumference is consistent with strengthening of the upper extremity muscles. Because the muscles of the rib cage, upper extremity, and abdominal wall are often recruited during breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), training with these maneuvers may provide more benefit than training maneuvers that target the inspiratory muscles alone (18)."
Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy often finds the most successful outcome is by teaching patients correct breathing techniques combined with strengthening the muscles that enable you to breathe. Exercise is essential because the less active you are, the weaker your muscles get. Weak muscles need MORE oxygen and this causes a chain reaction of being short of breath. By practicing a sound exercise program, a good nutrition plan and a doctor's plan of care, some patients who were on continuous oxygen therapy are able to discontinue the use of their concentrator and experience the freedom of life without being tied to a tube.
Did you know your diaphragm is a muscle? This muscle, crucial for breathing, can be made stronger and help you get more air into your lungs. Other muscles you use to breath are your pectoral muscles in your chest, your intercostals muscles along your rib cage and
You're ABDOMINAL MUSCLES which are:
Transverse abdominis – the deepest of your ab muscles. It runs across from your stomach to your back and is also attached to your ribs and pelvis so it's an important breathing muscle too.
Rectus abdominis – it's what we refer to as the 6 pack.
Transverse Abdominis - these muscles support your back and are the deepest of your stomach muscles. It's attached to your ribs and pelvis so it's an important breathing muscle too."
External oblique's – these are outside the ribs
Internal oblique's – these are inside the ribs
7 Helpful Tips for COPD Exercise Success
Start slow and gradually build up your endurance. If you are short of breath, do breathing exercises until you are ready to join back in.
If you have been prescribed an inhaler, keep it within easy reach.
Clear mucus from your lungs before starting
If you are on oxygen therapy and connected to a tube, be aware of its location so you don't trip.
NEVER smoke or be around smoke when you are connected to Oxygen.
Being overweight decreases your oxygen intake and increases your shortness of breath so seriously consider reaching a healthy body weight.
In order to achieve maximum results consistency is the key to a successful outcome.
Learn the medically approved way to increase your lung power in Functional Fitness COPD/Asthma DVD as seen on About.com. Suzanne Andrews, a licensed Occupational therapy practitioner and host of Functional Fitness on PBS TV guides you with doctor recommended breathing and exercise techniques used in therapy practice to increase your lung capacity with just minutes a day. FREE preview now at: http://www.healthwiseexercise.com/shop/cart.php
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