The exercise and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) fact sheet has been designed to provide practical knowledge and information on how to incorporate regular exercise into your everyday life. The resource covers topics such as how to get started with exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation, exercising safely and tips for exercising with a lung condition.
Regular exercise is beneficial for individuals with PF. Despite the challenges of breathlessness, incorporating exercise into daily routines can significantly improve quality of life and reduce breathlessness during exertion.
Getting started with exercise can be challenging when you are feeling breathless. Taking part in a pulmonary rehabilitation program under the guidance of healthcare professionals can be a great way to begin. Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a six-to-eight-week supervised program designed for people with lung conditions, including PF. It includes exercise training (endurance and strength training), education on managing the condition, and behavioural change support to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
There are many benefits to pulmonary rehabilitation that people with PF may experience, including an improved quality of life, decreased breathlessness, reduced fatigue, increased muscle strength and mass and even connection with others experiencing similar conditions.
A thorough assessment by the pulmonary rehabilitation team helps tailor the program to individual needs. Home exercise programs are also provided, encouraging at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Interval training may be recommended for some patients.
It’s always important to choose exercises that suit your preferences and lifestyle, such as walking, cycling, or swimming and use breathlessness levels to manage exercise intensity, aiming for moderate breathlessness. You can also manage symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue by pacing yourself and taking breaks as needed.
Once you start to achieve the benefits of exercise, it is important to continue exercising to maintain physical fitness and lung health through home programs, regular exercise classes, or community-based programs like Lungs in Action.
Before starting an exercise program, you should always consult with your healthcare team to determine the most suitable program for you.
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