Below, you will find a selection of exercises which are appropriate for the first phase of strength training.
This will be followed by notes on adjustment, start position and execution of movements. Basically, one differentiates:

  • start position (ensure a good position for the diaphragm in particular): normal (e.g.from an orthopaedic point of view) adjustments should get modified individually.
  • range of movement: peak loads on the joints due to non-ideal positions should be avoided. Normally, COPD Patients have a smaller range of movement.
COPD mild COPD moderate - severe
Strength training - Leg press Strength training - Leg press
It is recommended to use a start position with a low-level back rest the same as for healthy people.
Leg curl in start position: 90º angle of the knee. 		Back rest elevated/ in middle position (ca. 30-45º). Angle of the knee >= 110º
Movement pattern

Start/start position:

  1. straighten up
  2. apply pursed-lips breathing
  3. lift weight and push it up
Strength training - Leg press

Start/start position:

  1. straigthen up
  2. apply pursed-lip breathing ansetzen
  3. lift weight and push it up

Way there/end position:

  1. legs not at full stretch
  2. wait until all air is out
Strength training - Leg press

Way there/end position:

  1. legs not at full stretch
  2. wait until all air is out
  3. adjusting again/straigthen up
  4. inhale
  5. use pursed-lip breathing
  6. drop weight

Way back/start position

  1. inhale
  2. do not place down the weigth / keep weight block hanging about 1 cm in the air
  3. no break
  4. next repetition
 Strength training - Leg press

Way back/start position

  1. place down weight entirely
  2. break (30-60 seconds)
  3. take several breaths “inbetween”
  4. adjust again
  5. next repetition