Exercise seems to help slow the progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and may limit and improve common symptoms that are associated with this disease. Exercise is generally recommended for people with lung chronic disease including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Although exercise will not improve your lung condition, it does improve cardiovascular conditioning and the ability of your muscles to use oxygen.” (cpff.ca). The importance of starting a proper exercise program upon diagnosis should not be underestimated.
One of the issues that presents with COPD is the redistribution of muscle fibers in different parts of the body. The body is comprised of two types of muscle fibers. They are slow-twitch and fast-twitch fibers. Slow-twitch fibers also known as oxidative fibers are endurance fibers and are for the most part active during aerobic activities. Fast-twitch fibers also known as glycolytic fibers are strength and power fibers. They are responsible for in strength and power movements. People with severe lung disease may see an increase in endurance fibers (type 1 slow-twitch fibers) in the diaphragm compared to control groups. A study by Levine and colleagues (1997) reported “that the proportion of type 1 fibers averages 64% of total fibres in the diaphragms of patients with severe COPD whereas the proportion of these fibers averages only 45% of total fibre number in control diaphragms” (Kim 2008). In addition, patients with severe COPD may see a decrease in type 1 endurance fibers in their quadriceps muscles and an increase in their type 2 fast-twitch fibers. “An early report by Whitton and colleagues (1998) demonstrated that type 1 fiber proportion declines by 20%, whereas the proportion of type 11B fibers increases by 10% in people with severe COPD” (Kim 2008).
The changes in muscle fiber content make it more difficult for people with severe COPD to see improvement in their condition, unless specific exercises that deal with these issues are included in their exercise program. Because of this unusual redistribution of muscle fibers, exercises that address these issues should be considered.
In order to see improvement a multi-faceted exercise program is advisable. People with this health issue should consult with their physician before commencing with an exercise program.
References: cpff.ca: Exercise and Pulmonary Fibrosis.
PudMed.gov: Exercise training in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: is it of benefit? Vainshelborim, B, 2016.
PudMed.gov: Skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Kim, HC, 2008.