Physical activity as a therapy for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

Besides the improvement of cardiopulmonary efficiency, physical activity as a therapy used in connection with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) intends in particular to develop a more certain selfassessment, and this creates a better confidence in the course of actions. Furthermore, the patients who have experienced that the playing activity within the groups has relaxed their bodies and has taken away the fear, are now motivated to increase their physical and social activities in daily life. The patients have to realize the physical activity as a positive experience. Therefore it is important that this therapy should not create any shortness of breath. Based on a sufficient medicinal prophylaxis physical activity as a therapy is able to prevent exercise induced asthma and dyspnoea on exertion, or their intensity, when it is controled and dosed correctly. The advantage of Ostseeklinik Holm's concept of physical activity is the prophylaxis against overexertion of COLD patients. It is considering their individual cardiopulmonary efficiency. The patients are divided into three groups of different levels of exertion: becoming acquainted with physical activity, exercising and training. For the organisation of ambulant asthma and bronchitis groups it is advisable to rely on the experience with ambulant heart groups.