Basic principles of rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

One of the most common systemic defects in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is skeletal and respiratory muscle dysfunction. Physical exercise in the therapy of such patients therefore plays an important role. The Institute of Pulmonology of the Russian FMBA has developed a system of special physical exercises to decrease dysfunction of respiratory and skeletal muscles and affect the hyperinflation of the lungs. The physical program includes strength exercises for upper and lower skeletal muscles, breathing exercises, training of the respiratory muscles using simulators and high-frequency chest wall oscillation.