Respiratory or lung diseases are conditions that affect the lungs and their ability to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body. They include a wide range of disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis, which can impair breathing and lung function in various ways.

How our Exercise Physiologists can help:

Assessment – Our exercise physiologists will conduct a comprehensive 60-minute evaluation, including medical history, review of pulmonary function tests, exercise capacity testing, assessment of symptoms (e.g. dyspnea, cough, sputum), and quality of life measures. 

Exercise Prescription – Based on the assessment, an individualised exercise program is developed tailored to your specific respiratory condition, severity, limitations, and goals. This may involve aerobic training, strength training, breathing exercises, and education. 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program – Exercise physiologists play a vital role in structured pulmonary rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis etc. These programs combine exercise training with education and behaviour change. 

Monitoring and Progression – Close monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, symptoms like breathlessness, and exercise responses is done during sessions. The program is gradually progressed to improve your cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and endurance. 

Education – Providing education on proper breathing techniques, energy conservation, symptom management, use of supplemental oxygen during exercise if needed, and promoting long-term adherence to an active lifestyle. 

Collaboration – Working closely with specialists, GPs, nurses and other professionals for a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to pulmonary rehabilitation.