Control COPD Risks with a Daily Walk

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to the conditions of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and causes breathing difficulties due to long-term lung damage. Cristobal Esteban, from Bilbao Hospital (Spain), and colleagues enrolled 543 COPD patients for whom their exercise levels were calculated based on the distance they walked during the course of a week.  The resulting information was compared to hospitalization data taken from the database of the hospital. The data revealed that COPD patients who maintained moderate or high levels of exercise over time, which may amount to low intensity activities such as walking for at least three to six kilometers per day, could reduce the likelihood of being hospitalized by severe symptoms.  In contrast, patients who maintained a low level of exercise or reduced their exercise over time were more likely to experience a significant increase in the rate of hospitalization with exacerbated symptoms.  The study authors submit that: “Changes to a higher level of [physical activity] or maintaining a moderate or high level of [physical activity] over time, with a low intensity activity such as walking for at least 3-6 km/day, could reduce the rate of hospitalizations for COPD.”