A recent study from the University of São Paulo (USP) has shown that physical activity significantly benefits patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research involved 20 patients and revealed that those who engaged in exercise experienced increased muscle strength, enhanced anti-inflammatory immune cells, and reduced shortness of breath.
Conducted by Professor Fernanda Degobbi Lopes, the study highlights the importance of regular exercise in pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients. The findings, published in the journal Pulmonology, indicate a decrease in inflammatory factors and an overall improvement in quality of life.
For the study, patients aged 50 to 80 years, who were clinically stable and inactive, were divided into an exercise group and a control group. The exercise regimen consisted of 24 sessions over eight weeks, incorporating aerobic and resistance training supervised by a physiotherapist.
Results showed that the exercise group had an increase in activated T regulatory cells, which are crucial for anti-inflammatory responses, alongside a reduction in pro-inflammatory Th17 cells. Participants also reported improvements in muscle strength and reduced breathlessness.
These findings suggest that exercise can enhance immune responses and alleviate respiratory symptoms in COPD patients, underscoring the need for physical activity even among those with advanced disease.
In Brazil, COPD affects approximately 15.8% of individuals over 40 in the São Paulo metropolitan area, making it a significant public health concern.