How To Strengthen Your Breathing Muscles With Copd

According to the Journal of Applied Physiology,pectoral muscles in your chest, your intercostals
"strength-training maneuvers may have othermuscles along your rib cage and
associated benefits. They may not only strengthYou're ABDOMINAL MUSCLES which are:
train the diaphragm but also strengthen theTransverse abdominis – the deepest of your
muscles of the rib cage, abdominal wall, and upperab muscles.  It runs across from your stomach
extremities. The increase in PEmax is consistentto your back and is also attached to your ribs and
with a strength training effect on the expiratorypelvis so it's an important breathing muscle too.
muscles of the rib cage and abdomen. The smallRectus abdominis – it's what we refer to as
increase in biceps muscle circumference isthe 6 pack.
consistent with strengthening of the upperTransverse Abdominis - these muscles support
extremity muscles. Because the muscles of theyour back and are the deepest of your stomach
rib cage, upper extremity, and abdominal wall aremuscles.  It's attached to your ribs and pelvis so
often recruited during breathing in patients withit's an important breathing muscle too."
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),External oblique's – these are outside the ribs
training with these maneuvers may provide moreInternal oblique's – these are inside the ribs 
benefit than training maneuvers that target the 
inspiratory muscles alone (18)."7 Helpful Tips for COPD Exercise Success
Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy often finds the 
most successful outcome is by teaching patients- Start slow and gradually build up your
correct breathing techniques combined withendurance.  If you are short of breath, do
strengthening the muscles that enable you tobreathing exercises until you are ready to join
breathe. Exercise is essential because the lessback in.
active you are, the weaker your muscles get. - If you have been prescribed an inhaler, keep it
Weak muscles need MORE oxygen and thiswithin easy reach.
causes a chain reaction of being short of breath. - Clear mucus from your lungs before starting
By practicing a sound exercise program, a good- If you are on oxygen therapy and connected to
nutrition plan and a doctor's plan of care, somea tube, be aware of its location so you don't trip.
patients who were on continuous oxygen therapy- NEVER smoke or be around smoke when you
are able to discontinue the use of theirare connected to Oxygen.
concentrator and experience the freedom of life- Being overweight decreases your oxygen intake
without being tied to a tube.and increases your shortness of breath so
Did you know your diaphragm is a muscle?  Thisseriously consider reaching a healthy body weight.
muscle, crucial for breathing, can be made- In order to achieve maximum results
stronger and help you get more air into yourconsistency is the key to a successful outcome.
lungs.  Other muscles you use to breath are your