Physical education and breathing exercises for bronchial asthma: basic exercises and techniques. Therapeutic exercise for bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system with attacks of suffocation. In addition to the prescription of medications, physiotherapy is important, as it also has therapeutic and preventive effects. This is primarily physical therapy, the purpose of which is to strengthen the tone of the respiratory muscles, promote the removal of phlegm, and improve the supply of oxygen to lung tissue. The patient must learn to control breathing cycles and develop the muscular system with the help of a special set of exercises.

Objectives of exercise therapy

Physical rehabilitation has specific goals:

Strengthening the muscular system of the body with general tonic exercises.
Relaxation of the respiratory muscles.
Training in self-regulation of breathing and rhythm.
Removing residual excess air in the respiratory tract.
Increased elasticity of the chest.

The main objectives are to reduce spasm of the bronchi and bronchioles, improve the respiratory act, normalize the oxygen content in the blood and tissues of the body.

Indications and contraindications

Despite the effectiveness and necessity of physiotherapeutic exercises for many patients, they have a number of contraindications.

Indications:

Subacute period of concomitant pulmonary diseases.
Recovery from pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis.
The period between attacks of bronchial asthma.

Exercise therapy is not used in the following conditions:

Severe exacerbation of chronic pulmonary diseases.
Acute period of pathology of the bronchi and lungs.
Pulmonary heart failure of the third degree.
Frequent attacks of suffocation.

Structure of the exercise therapy program

The course of exercise therapy for bronchial asthma varies in duration and consists of preparatory and training periods. The initial part is the preparatory part, which lasts two to three days.

The preparatory period includes the following tasks:

study of the patient’s condition and functional capabilities;
study by patients of special exercises to restore the mechanism of proper breathing.

Exercise therapy classes are conducted according to an individual program. In adults, its structure depends on the state of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the severity of the underlying disease, age, and physical capabilities.

Therapeutic gymnastics exercises begin with a number of starting positions:

the head end of the bed is raised, the person lies on his back;
a person sits facing the back of a chair, bends the forearms of both hands, rests his hands on the back and places his chin on it;
the patient sits on the edge of a chair and leans back.

The beginning and end of the workout is accompanied by light massage treatments on the face, chest, and shoulders. The exercises actively use breathing with long and slow exhalation, sound gymnastics, train breathing excursions using the diaphragm, and develop the muscle structures of the chest and shoulder girdle. The lesson lasts from five to ten minutes (depending on various factors of the person’s health). The pace of classes should be slow. Each exercise is repeated three to five times.

During the training period there are a number of tasks:

Normalization of the tone of the central nervous system.
Reducing bronchospasm and bronchiolospasm.
Improving ventilation of the respiratory tract.
Restoring the rhythm of full breathing with priority development of exhalation.
Strengthening the auxiliary respiratory muscles and improving the mobility of the chest frame and diaphragm muscle.
Teaching the patient to independently relax muscles and perform exercises at home.
Teaching the patient to regulate his or her breathing during seizure episodes.

In the treatment of bronchial asthma in the period between attacks, a medical recovery program is implemented - various methods and types of exercise therapy: kinesitherapy, therapeutic exercises, tasks for independent performance, training on breathing machines, bicycle ergometers, dosed and gradual walks, swimming procedures, skiing, dynamic sport. The patient must make muscle efforts during exercises at the moment of exhalation (when turning and bending the body, throwing balls). Be sure to take breaks for rest and relaxation between repetitions.

Therapeutic physical education for children includes games with active movements and exercises with large gymnastics balls.

Examples of exercises

Exercises can be performed both at home and in the fresh air, in special outpatient rooms.

1. Stand in the main stance. Inhaling, smoothly raise your arms from your sides. As they lower, they exhale slowly.
2. Standing on your feet, hug yourself by the area of your lower ribs. Inhale, compress the chest a little, and exhale with a buzz.
3. Straight stand, hands lie on the ribs, elbows are moved to the sides and back, at the same time the palmar surface is pressed with pushes on the sides of the chest, pronouncing the letter “O” in a drawn-out manner.
4. Begin as in the previous exercise, but when abducting the shoulders, inhale, and when abducting, exhale.
5. Sit on a chair with your hands on your sides. Inhalation is performed by turning the body to the right side and simultaneously moving the arm back. Upon returning to the starting position, exhale for a long time. Same with the left side.
6. In a standing position, the arms are pulled back and to the sides, inhaled, then they suddenly grab themselves by the upper part of the chest, slapping the suprascapular areas with their hands and exhaling.
7. Lie on your back, bend your arms at the elbows and place them under you. Inhaling, they bend into a “bridge”, leaning on the occipital region and elbows. As you exhale, return to the starting position.
8. Start: lying on your back, hands at your sides. Arms to the sides, inhale, press the knee of one leg to your chest with your hands, then exhale slowly. Same with the second leg.
9. From a lying position, stretch your body towards your toes with your hands and your forehead towards your knees, inhaling. Returning to the starting position, exhale.
10. From the same position: with an inhalation, raise the straightened legs at an angle of forty-five degrees, and lower them while exhaling.
11. Lying on your back: clasp the chest, squeeze it as you exhale.
12. Lying down with your knees bent. Place one hand on your chest, the other on your stomach. While inhaling through the nose, press on the chest, and while exhaling, press on the anterior abdominal wall.
13. Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body, straighten your legs, lifting them up - inhale, lowering them - exhale.
14. Hand push-ups with knees resting. When raising the body up, inhale, down, exhale.
15. Lie on your stomach, simultaneously raise your arms and legs up, inhaling. Holding this position, exhale slowly.
16. Shrug - produce contractions of the trapezius muscles.
17. Bring your shoulder blades together, tense the interscapular muscles, then relax them and bend your torso.
18. Alternately tense and relax the muscles of the right and left arms and neck muscles.
19. Sound gymnastics: after inhaling through the nose, while exhaling, pronounce various vowels and consonants. In the preparatory period: “U”, “I”, “E”, “O”. In training: “Z”, “S”, “R”, then add the sounds “Sh”, “Shch”, “Zh”. At first, exhalation is performed for 5 seconds, then gradually increases to 30. Repeat the exercises for 2-3 minutes with pauses of 30 seconds, 5-6 times a day.

Method of performing elements

The average duration of therapeutic exercises is about 20 minutes. They are performed once a day, at a moderate pace. The required number of repetitions is initially 4-5, increasing to 8-10. Twice a day, patients also perform a set of individual exercises themselves. Asthmatics need regular walking with a dosed regimen and prolonged exhalation. The intensity of the load should be gradually increased.

Dosed jogging gives noticeable results. They start by running in place, raising their hips low, at a leisurely pace. At first, the duration of the exercise is one minute, performed three times a day - in the morning, 30 minutes before lunch and 2 hours before bedtime. Then the duration of the run increases to 15 minutes three times a week, 10-15 seconds are added daily. When jogging, the correct breathing rhythm is important: inhale through your nose, exhale twice as long through your pursed lips.

Mild and moderate course of the disease is improved by swimming procedures. They are carried out two to three weeks after an exacerbation. To train the muscles that support breathing, you should exhale into the water, overcoming its resistance. Outdoor games with a ball are recommended in a lightweight version, lasting from 15 to 60 minutes with mandatory pauses. Thanks to them, in patients with rare attacks, they can be reduced to a minimum. Breathing simulators help bedridden patients and those with severe breathing problems perform exercises. Balloons and special inflatable devices can act as exercise equipment. Exhale slowly.

As children with asthma recover, hardening procedures and systematic walks in parks and on the street are effective and necessary.

In addition to the generally accepted methods of breathing physiotherapy, volitional elimination of deep breathing by K. P. Buteyko and gymnastics of the paradoxical structure by A. N. Strelnikova are used. The first technique consists of shallow nasal breathing, holding the exhalation, which improves the supply of oxygen to the lungs. The second emphasizes short inhalations with a large number of intense repetitions.

Upon completion of their stay in an inpatient medical institution, patients are recommended to continue outpatient courses of therapeutic exercises with medical supervision, i.e., in an outpatient exercise therapy room or a physical education clinic with a doctor present.

The diagnosis of “bronchial asthma” is perceived by many as a death sentence and as an end to a full life. But is everything really that bad, and is hormone therapy really the main way to treat the disease? But many experts insist that other, non-drug treatments, such as physical therapy and breathing exercises for bronchial asthma, can be effective.

Gymnastics for bronchial asthma

Gymnastics for bronchial asthma is a mandatory measure of therapy. It helps alleviate the course of the disease, reduce episodes of exacerbations and attacks. The advantage of the technique is that it does not require the use of special equipment. Typically, exercises are prescribed to all patients during the period of remission of the disease in the absence of contraindications.

There are quite a few contraindications:

acute viral and infectious diseases with body temperature from 38 degrees;
cardiopulmonary failure accompanying asthma (heart rate more than 120, respiratory rate more than 25 per minute).

Regular exercises will help achieve the following results:

Restoration of physiological frequency and depth of breathing;
Normalization of blood gas composition, namely increasing the concentration of oxygen in tissues, improving their nutrition;
Improving the ventilation capacity of the lungs;
Development of the body's adaptive abilities;
Reducing the manifestations of allergic reactions, the tendency to bronchospasms.

All this ultimately helps reduce the severity of the disease, reduce respiratory failure, reduce the number of exacerbations and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

Exercise therapy for bronchial asthma: a set of exercises

When performing exercises for asthma, be sure to adhere to the principle of gradualness. Doing too many active exercises at once can cause suffocation. Start with minimal loads and increase them gradually.

For five days, the patient must perform an initial, preparatory set of exercises, gradually adjusting and adapting to physical activity. Afterwards you can proceed to the main complex. It is more strenuous, and the patient usually needs to perform it throughout his life.

Introductory preparatory stage of breathing exercises for asthma will be as follows:

You need to sit on a chair, keep your back straight. Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat 4-8 approaches.
Sit on a chair and inhale slowly. Raise your right arm, pause your breathing for a couple of seconds, then exhale and lower your arm. Do the same with your left hand. In total you need to do 4-8 approaches.
Sit on the edge of a chair, place your hands on your knees. Flex and straighten your hands and feet. Perform 9-12 approaches.
Sit on a chair and press against its back. Inhale and exhale as much as possible, then hold your breath for a couple of seconds and exhale. Perform 4-8 approaches.
You need to press your palms on your chest and cough. Do 5-6 approaches.
Sit on a chair and rest your fingers on your knees. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Do 4-8 approaches.
Stand up straight, lower your arms at your sides, inhale and raise your shoulder girdle, and exhale, lower it. Do 4-8 approaches.
Now just sit on a chair and relax.

Main complex this gymnastics will be as follows:

Stand up straight and lean forward, relax your arms. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Perform 3-6 repetitions.
Stand up straight and bring your arms to your torso. Inhale through your nose, place your hands in your armpits. Exhaling, raise your outstretched arms up. Now relax and lower your arms. Repeat the exercise 4-6 times.
The starting position is similar. Diaphragmatic breathing is necessary: inhale, inflating the stomach and protruding its muscles, exhale, deflating the stomach and retracting the muscles. Perform the exercise for a minute.
Stand up straight, press your hands to your torso. Take a deep breath, as you exhale, bend your right leg and pull your knee toward your chest. Do an exercise for your left leg. In total it is necessary to perform 4-6 times.
You need to sit on a chair, press your back against its back, place your arms along your body. Inhale, then exhale, bend to the side, sliding your hand along your torso. Repeat the exercise on the second side. In total you need to do 4-6 times.

A set of exercises for bronchial asthma with pictures will help you find your way.

Breathing exercises for bronchial asthma

One of the oldest and most effective ways to treat bronchial asthma and prevent its complications is breathing exercises for asthma. Full breathing helps strengthen not only the lungs and bronchi, but also the body as a whole. It helps saturate tissues and cells with oxygen, which normalizes their work and accelerates recovery processes. With well-chosen breathing exercises, the bronchi and bronchioles are cleared of harmful viruses and bacteria and mucus accumulated in them. The muscle tone of the walls of the bronchi also improves, and the blood circulation of the latter is normalized.

You need to do breathing exercises regularly. It is better to do this outdoors or at least in a well-ventilated room.

Breathing exercises have a number of contraindications:

Asthma during exacerbation;
Acute infectious and inflammatory diseases;
Exacerbation of diseases of other organs and systems.

The main types of exercises are as follows:

Exercise "Good morning". The exercise is done in the morning, while still in bed. Pull your knees towards your chest while inhaling slowly through your mouth. Straighten your legs and relax. Do 4-6 reps.
Exercise "Balloon". You need to stand up straight, inhale through your nose, strongly protruding your stomach. Now exhale sharply and draw in your stomach. Do 6-8 reps.
Exercise “Hugs”. You need to stand on your toes, stretch your arms out to your sides parallel to the floor, and bend forward. Exhale deeply while sharply crossing your arms over your chest, as if you were hugging yourself. Hit your shoulder blades with your hands, then spread your arms again and repeat the exercise, continuing to exhale. Inhale and return to the starting position.
Exercise with a tube. You need to put a jar of water in front of you and take a straw. Take a deep breath through the tube, and then gradually exhale into the water. You need to perform the exercise for five minutes 8-10 times.
Exercise with a balloon. The gist of it is that you need to inflate a balloon until it bursts. However, it is important not to overdo it. If you feel slightly dizzy, stop exercising, sit down and breathe calmly. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

Also useful exercises that involve pronouncing different vowels and consonants while exhaling. First it should be vowels (o, i, u), and then consonants (zh, z, sh). Take a deep breath through your nose, exhale smoothly, at this moment pronouncing a specific sound. Exhalation may take 5-30 seconds.

Basic exercises of this kind are as follows:

You need to stand up straight, bend your arms at the elbows, exhale smoothly through your nose, spreading your elbows to the sides. Now exhale, bring your elbows together. Draw in your stomach while pronouncing the sound “sh”.
Stand up straight, inhaling, raise your shoulders, and exhale, lower them, while pronouncing the sound “kha”.
Stand up straight and squeeze your chest with your palms, inhale through your nose. As you exhale, pronounce combinations of consonants such as “br”, “pf”, “brrh”, “drrh”. Start by exhaling for five seconds, gradually increasing it to 30 seconds.

Breathing exercises by Strelnikova for asthma

Breathing exercises according to Anna Strelnikova have proven themselves well for bronchial asthma. It helps ensure that a large amount of oxygen enters the lungs, improves blood circulation and ventilation of the respiratory system, cleanses the respiratory system, improves the overall tone of the body, which has a beneficial effect on the patient’s condition.

To prevent an attack of shortness of breath helps with bronchial asthma exercise called "Pump". You need to stand up straight, put your feet shoulder-width apart, and take a stick, rolled up newspaper or other object that imitates a pump handle in your hands. You need to imagine that you are inflating the tire with a pump. A tilt is performed, during which you need to take a quick breath through your nose. Then straighten up and exhale freely through your mouth. You need to breathe in the rhythm of a marching step, while your head should be tilted slightly forward and your back should be slightly rounded.

A daily complex of gymnastics for patients with asthma according to Strelnikova involves the following exercises:

"Fists." The simplest exercise. While standing, you need to take short breaths through your nose, as well as free exhalations through your mouth, while rhythmically clenching and unclenching your fists.
"Drop the load." Take a standing position, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your waist, hands clenched into a fist. Exhale briefly through your nose and relax your arms, as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. At the same time, strongly tighten the muscles of the shoulder girdle. Exhale freely and clench your hands into fists again, placing them on your belt.
Already described exercise "Pump"
"Cat Dance" Take a standing position, spread your legs slightly narrower than your shoulders. Bend your elbows and clench your hands into fists, at the same time squat down and turn to the right, taking a noisy breath through your nose. Then exhale passively and return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the other side.
"Tight hugs." Take a standing position, bend your elbows and put them forward, open your palms and point them down. Hug yourself while exhaling sharply through your nose. Place one hand under your armpit and place the other on your shoulder. Exhale freely and return to the starting position.
Bend forward and backward. Take a standing position, place your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean forward, place your hands on your knees, while inhaling sharply through your nose. Straighten up and inhale. Then put your hands behind your back and bend back, inhaling again. Unbend and exhale.
Follow head tilts, first to the right and left, and then forward and backward.
"Happy Dance" Take a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Take a step with your right foot and transfer your body weight to it, bend your legs, put your arms forward and inhale strongly through your nose. Return to the starting position and exhale.
"Step forward". Take a starting position while standing, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise your right leg, bend it at the knee and bring it to your chest. Squat down on your left leg while taking a sharp breath through your nose. Exhale and return to the starting position. Do the same for the second leg.
"Step back". Raise your right leg, bend it at the knee and walk it back. Sit down slightly on your left leg and take a strong breath through your nose. Exhale and return to the starting position. Do the same for the second leg.

Every exercise is needed First, perform 8 inhalations and exhalations, and then increase the number to 16.

– general contraindications for exercise therapy;

– respiratory and heart failure with decompensation of the functions of these systems;

– status asthmaticus.

Means, forms, methods of exercise therapy for bronchial asthma

Physical exercise

Starting positions - lying on your back with the head end of the bed raised, sitting on a chair (choose a position that is comfortable for the sick child in order to relax the muscles as much as possible), which promotes better excursion of the chest and makes exhalation easier.

In the first days, exercises for small and medium muscle groups and joints of the distal limbs in combination with breathing exercises are introduced into classes. As the condition improves, classes include active movements of the limbs (medium and large muscle groups and joints), the torso, combined with breathing exercises and pauses for passive rest and muscle relaxation. Classes are supplemented with walking within the ward, then the department. While walking, the child performs exercises with objects.

Any exercise is performed while exhaling (for example, bending the torso, flexion and extension); after several repetitions of the movement, you should pause for rest or offer exercises aimed at relaxing muscle groups.

For patients with bronchial asthma, exercises that involve straining and holding your breath for more than 5–7 seconds are contraindicated.

The ratio of breathing and general developmental exercises should be 1:1, breathing exercises should not occupy more than 40–50% of the total class time. In the preparatory period, strict distribution of the load among the parts of the therapeutic gymnastics procedure is mandatory.

After the basic indicators of external respiration function have been restored, classes include general developmental exercises that help train extracardiac circulatory factors and increase the strength of the muscles of the back, legs and arms. After one or two general developmental exercises, muscle relaxation exercises should follow.

During the period of remission, exercises with light weights, dosed resistance, with and on equipment in combination with breathing exercises are also included.

In the presence of such a clinical and etiological form of bronchial asthma as asthma of physical effort (tension), all forms of physical training associated with exposure to cold air on the airways are contraindicated.

Massage

As a nonspecific irritant, chest massage can be used using local and reflex methods and include various techniques such as percussion, vibration, and postural drainage.

During an attack, it is advisable to massage the chest, including the intercostal spaces, massage the abdominal muscles and collar area.

In the early stages of bronchospasm development or as an auxiliary means of stopping an attack, acupressure techniques are very effective. In the interictal period, massage of biologically active points is carried out once a day for preventive purposes.

In addition, segmental massage and self-massage are used during the interictal period.

Natural factors of nature

Halotherapy (speleotherapy) is one of the most popular methods of alternative medicine for bronchial asthma. Halotherapy is a treatment method based on the use of an artificial microclimate, similar in parameters to the conditions of underground caves or salt mines. The main active factors in the air environment of salt mines, caves or halochambers are highly dispersed aerosol of sodium chloride, as well as negative air ions.

A very important factor is the presence of high concentrations of carbon dioxide in salt caves. The atmosphere contains very low concentrations of carbon dioxide (0.03%), while its concentration in a salt cave is 5 or 10 times higher, but is not critical. At the same time, the higher carbon dioxide content affects the autonomic nervous system and stimulates deeper and more intense breathing, which gives the effect of breathing training.

A modern halochamber is a specially equipped room, the walls of which are coated with a special salt coating. It acts as a buffer against atmospheric moisture and helps maintain aseptic and hypoallergenic environmental conditions. In the treatment room of the halochamber, a therapeutic aerodisperse environment is created and maintained, saturated with a dry aerosol of sodium chloride with a predominant respirable fraction of particles in certain concentration ranges, as a result of which such therapeutic effects as decongestant, bactericidal, mucolytic, hyposensitizing, sedative are realized. Haloaerosol, consisting of negatively charged particles of dry sodium chloride, penetrates into the deep peripheral parts of the respiratory tract and has a mucoregulatory effect. During repeated procedures, the haloaerosol acts as a physiological stimulator of the protective reactions of the respiratory tract. A positive effect on bronchial obstruction is observed regardless of its nature, but is most clearly manifested at a high degree. The effectiveness of haloaerosol therapy on bronchial patency is due to the effect on the inflammatory component, a change in the rheological properties of sputum, leading to an increase in the rate of mucociliary clearance. Improving drainage function and reducing inflammation of the airways can indirectly help reduce bronchial hyperreactivity and influence the broncho-obstructive component.

Speleotherapy is a method that allows you to create “ideal” environmental conditions for a short period of time, which is very important for a child suffering from bronchial asthma.

One of the pathogenetically based methods of physiotherapy, often used for bronchial asthma, is aerosol therapy and its variety - nebulizer therapy. Medications are used for inhalation.

In addition, the treatment and rehabilitation complex for bronchial asthma quite often includes aeroion therapy, electrophoresis, pulsed currents, low-frequency magnetic therapy (including on the area of projection of the adrenal glands), laser radiation, high-frequency therapy on the area of projection of the roots of the lungs, and heat treatment.

In the general complex of rehabilitation measures, resort treatment, climate, balneo, and peloid therapy are recommended. When prescribing spa treatment, the severity of the clinical course of the disease, the season of the year and the climatic and geographical features of the resort are taken into account. At mountain climatic resorts, treatment of patients with bronchial asthma is indicated, regardless of the clinical and etiological form, with concomitant allergic diseases, with phenomena of pronounced bronchial reactivity, with neuropsychic and endocrine pathogenetic changes. It should be taken into account that high-altitude hypoxia activates the function of the adrenal glands both in healthy people and in patients with bronchial asthma. It is advisable to send patients with bronchial asthma complicated by emphysema, and in the presence of unstable remission of the inflammatory process in the bronchopulmonary apparatus, to seaside resorts. However, it is not recommended to take children to the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The best choice is Kislovodsk, followed by the southern coast of Crimea. Treatment in local specialized sanatoriums and departments, where microclimatic conditions differ little from the place of permanent residence of patients, is carried out for persons with unstable remission, with severe pulmonary insufficiency and convalescents. In addition, to local health resorts (sanatoriums, holiday homes, dispensaries) located in favorable microclimatic zones (dry areas with mixed deciduous forest, away from pine forests, since it has been noted that in some cases a strong pine smell can support an asthmatic state) , the direction of persons at risk of bronchial asthma or with pre-illness symptoms is shown. In some medical institutions, so-called allergen-free wards have been introduced, in which an air environment with a reduced content of allergens is created using air-purifying devices that allow the elimination of dust, pollen, mites, fungi, viruses, bacteria, various gaseous substances, such as nitric oxide, oxide sulfur, tobacco smoke.

Hardening

Since bronchial asthma is often infectious-allergic in nature, it is important to increase general immunity, which is achieved by hardening. To harden children suffering from bronchial asthma, he recommends daily foot baths according to the following scheme: before bedtime, only the feet are immersed in a basin of lukewarm water (37–38°C). The first day the whole procedure takes only 1 minute. The feet are removed from the water and wiped dry. The next day, foot baths are carried out for two minutes and so every day they add one minute. After 10 days, the temperature of the water in the basin is reduced to room temperature – 18-20°C. After another 10 days, you can already pour water into the basin directly from the tap. On subsequent days, the foot bath is performed for 10 minutes.

Exercise therapy for bronchial asthma can improve a person’s condition at any stage of the disease. Moderate physical activity helps prevent frequent attacks and has a positive effect on the general condition of the body. If you regularly use special sets of exercises, you can prevent further progression of the disease. Also, sports or physical therapy are indicated for people whose condition is characterized as pre-asmatic. With the right approach to exercise, you can maintain good health for many years.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways. Often he suffers from chronic bronchitis, which manifests itself with almost the same symptoms. The main symptom of asthma is the presence of asthma attacks. During periods of exacerbation, a person experiences impaired respiratory function, which is accompanied by coughing and wheezing. When an asthmatic attack occurs, special drugs are used that expand the lumen of the bronchi. Complex therapy also includes anti-inflammatory drugs aimed at eliminating foci of the disease.

To prevent all negative processes during the development of asthma, which pose a potential danger to human life, therapeutic exercises are simply necessary. Using it you can easily achieve the following:

the nervous regulation of respiratory function is restored, which leads to a decrease in the number of attacks;
There is a relaxation of many muscles in the body - on the neck, chest, and back of the head. They are often tense due to impaired respiratory function;
bronchial drainage improves, which prevents the accumulation of mucus in the lungs;
breathing is normalized due to the development of chest mobility;
endurance, strength and overall development of the body increases;
blood circulation is normalized, the heart muscle is strengthened. This allows you to regulate the delivery of the required volume of oxygen to all tissues and internal organs;
the psycho-emotional state of a person improves.

Features of exercise therapy

Physical therapy for bronchial asthma is indicated during the period of remission of the disease, when there are no frequent attacks. It includes breathing exercises that are combined with low-intensity physical activity. They can be performed only in cases where the patient does not have circulatory failure. Also, physiotherapy for bronchial asthma is contraindicated in the following cases:

serious condition of the patient, especially in the presence of concomitant pathologies;
with an increased risk of internal bleeding;
with the development of malignant processes in any organ or system;
increased body temperature;
respiratory failure stage 3;
if there is shortness of breath, in which a person takes more than 25 breaths per minute;
in the presence of physical exertion asthma, it is necessary to avoid performing gymnastic and other exercises that are accompanied by the influence of cold air on the respiratory tract. Also, this type of physical therapy should be used with caution in other forms of the disease;
the presence of acute pain in any part of the body that does not decrease with a decrease in the intensity of the load.

When selecting a physical therapy program, it is necessary to take into account the patient’s age, his general condition and the degree of physical development. Before starting training, you need to devote several days to the preparatory stage. At this time, it is recommended to check the person’s physical and emotional state, which will help to choose the optimal exercises to achieve a positive result.

To achieve stable remission in bronchial asthma, it is recommended to use the following set of exercises:

Breathing exercises. Performed while standing, arms hanging freely along the body. For 30-40 seconds. you need to breathe deeply, gradually reducing the gap between inhalation and exhalation. Also, such gymnastics produces an even better effect if you pronounce certain sounds while performing the exercises. For example, during inhalation - “f” or “w”, and when exhaling - “o” or “a”.
It is necessary to lie down on a hard surface and stretch out your limbs. As you exhale, you need to pull one leg towards your stomach. When returning to the starting position, inhale.
Starting position - sitting on a chair, arms hanging freely along the body. As you exhale, you need to tilt your body slightly to one side. In this case, the hand should slide along the chair leg. When returning to the starting position, inhale.
You need to stand straight, leaning on the back of the chair. As you exhale, you need to slowly squat down, and as you inhale, return to your original position.
A person needs to stand straight, lower his arms along his body. As you exhale, lift one leg up. Using your hand, you need to pull your knee towards your stomach. As you inhale, the leg goes down.
You need to stand, spread your legs wide, place your hands on your waist. As you exhale, you should tilt your body forward, and when you inhale, return to the starting position.

To improve the patient's condition, gymnastics should be carried out in the fresh air or in a room with an open window. The number of repetitions depends on the physical endurance of the person (at least 5 are recommended). To achieve a positive result, you should train daily or take a break of 1-2 days. Therapeutic exercises for bronchial asthma should not cause discomfort. If a cough or sore throat occurs, it is necessary to stop the activity and continue it after the condition has completely stabilized, but with less load.

How beneficial is sport for asthma patients?

Speed skater Claudia Pechstein takes an inhalation right at the stadium

Is it possible to play sports if you have bronchial asthma? The opinions of doctors on this matter are identical. Asthma and sports can be combined with each other if you choose the right type of physical activity. It should lead to improved respiratory function, strengthening of all muscles and normalization of general metabolism in the body. Moderate physical activity can prepare the human body for hypoxia, which will appear during attacks. This will allow the patient to more easily tolerate all unpleasant symptoms and be less susceptible to the influence of negative environmental factors. If you regularly exercise if you have asthma, you can achieve stable remission and forget about frequent attacks.

But you can start training only when your general condition has eased, when the manifestations of the disease are minimal.
swimming or water aerobics;
athletics or race walking;
team games – volleyball, basketball;
dancing;
aerobics;
martial arts;
cycling;

When choosing the type of physical activity for asthma for both adults and children, preference should be given to the type that develops the shoulder girdle and diaphragm, which makes breathing easier. In severe cases of the disease, you should avoid excessive activity and focus on simple exercises.