Therapeutic breathing exercises. Exercise therapy and breathing exercises for respiratory diseases

Therapeutic exercise and breathing exercises for various lung diseases are aimed at restoring bronchial conduction and improving the discharge of thick sputum. Exercises promote better blood supply to the lungs and other organs and have a restorative effect on the body as a whole.

Physiotherapy

Any physical activity, no matter how gentle, cannot be performed in case of severe respiratory failure, intoxication, hemoptysis, fever, purulent processes in the lungs and bronchi.

Physical education for diseases of the lungs and bronchi should begin with the simplest and easiest to perform exercises. This is especially important when

Gradually, under the supervision of a physical therapy doctor, they move on to more complex exercises.

The main thing in physical therapy is the regularity of the activities. The body must gradually get used to normal functioning and rebuild after the disease to a new level. Everything should be as comfortable as possible for the patient’s current condition.

Set of exercises

The complex begins with exercises in a lying and sitting position. At the same time, different types of breathing are trained - upper diaphragmatic and lower. The patient, lying or sitting, raises his arms up and down, swings his arms, and rotates the shoulder girdle. During charging, you should carefully monitor your breathing. It should be as deep and effective as possible. If during exercise the patient chokes or coughs, the amount of physical exercise should be reduced to an acceptable level or stopped altogether for a while.

For more effective training, additional tools are used for exercises. This could be a regular stick, light dumbbells, an elastic band, or a rubber ball.

One of the exercises aimed at quickly removing phlegm is to place your hands with a stick or tape behind your back. Then bend forward and backward, from side to side. At the first stage of recovery, this exercise can be performed in bed, sitting or lying down. Gradually, all physical activity is performed in a standing position.

The duration of training and its intensity depend on the patient’s condition. It is necessary to take into account the level of blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, age of the patient, and his fitness level.

Breathing exercises

Various breathing exercises are practiced to help restore health in pulmonary pathologies.

The Buteyko method of volitional elimination of deep breathing (VLDB) helps with bronchopulmonary diseases, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, COPD, allergies, angina pectoris and other heart diseases, migraines, gastrointestinal colic, hypertension.

Buteyko method. Video

The paradoxical breathing exercises of A.N. Strelnikova are known far beyond the borders of our country. Her results are truly amazing. With the help of several simple dynamic breathing exercises, some of which are performed while compressing the chest while inhaling, it was possible to stop an attack of suffocation in bronchial asthma, get rid of chronic bronchitis and sinusitis, overcome stuttering, and regain a lost voice.

Breathing exercises by Strelnikova. Video

Let us dwell in more detail on the centuries-tested breathing exercises according to the yoga system.

Breathing technique in yoga

After relieving pulmonary edema and during the recovery period for other pulmonary pathologies, gymnastics according to the yoga system is indicated.
Yoga breath control techniques known as "pranayama" mean "extension of life force." They guide the practitioner on the right path and help him inhale and exhale correctly. They can improve lung capacity, help reduce stress and organize the mind, and help you develop self-control breathing techniques.
For some people, it is quite difficult to practice yoga in terms of performing the assigned tasks in this practice, while for others, learning all the “basics” of yoga and meditation is easy. Initially, a person performing yoga breathing exercises may feel the process uneven, but over time and with acquired skills, yogic breathing will become smooth and easy.
Technique for beginners
It is designed to help practitioners learn to become aware of and control their breathing, relax during abdominal breathing, relieve stress, and breathe fully. This technique is also referred to as diaphragmatic breathing, as a method that allows you to move from small chest breathing to deep deep breathing. To be able to practice this method, you must:
Sit on the floor with your legs crossed and your palms on your stomach
Keeping your back straight, inhale slowly through your nose and use your diaphragm while pushing your arm forward, filling your lungs deeply with air.
After exhaling air through your nose, squeeze your abdominal muscles to push the air out of your lungs
Intermediate stage of breathing technique

Three phases of breathing, slightly more complex than simple abdominal breathing, encourage a person to breathe fully to fill the lungs with air from the bottom up. While breathing through the nose is done in one continuous breath, the lungs will fill in three stages:
During the first phase (similar to abdominal breathing), a person inhales and fills the lower part of the lungs using the diaphragm.
He continues to inhale air in the second phase to expand and open his chest.
In the third stage, air enters the upper chest and lower throat.
You need to place your hands on your stomach, then on your ribs, and finally on your upper chest while performing three-step breathing to ensure that the technique is performed correctly.
Progressive technology
Also available today is training in so-called “fire breathing,” a technique that can strengthen the diaphragm, expand lung capacity, and help clear the respiratory system. To practice this technique, sometimes called bellows breathing or cleansing breathing, it is recommended to stand on a high floor with your legs crossed and your hands resting on your knees. After this, you need to breathe quickly through your nose, this process will resemble a snort. When performing this technique, emphasis should be placed on both inhalation and exhalation. As the number of breaths increases, it is necessary to develop a steady pace and rhythm. When performed correctly, the stomach will pulsate in the same rhythm as breathing.
Breath of Ujjayi
Ujjayi is a set of breathing exercises that translates as “victorious” and calms the mind, raises body temperature and promotes mental clarity. This routine can help develop concentration and allow you to control your breathing as you move from one yoga pose to the next.

Breath of Ujjayi. Video
To practice Ujjayi breathing, you need to start in a comfortable position on the floor or a strong chair. Inhalation through the nose must be done, slightly squeezing the back of the throat and directing the air along its back wall. Exhale through the mouth with the sound signal “ha” and repeat it several times.
Today, most people believe that yoga is the experience of pure ecstasy through the unity of mind, soul and body. But many yoga practitioners and teachers will agree that in addition to providing relaxation and tranquility, yogic practice develops a person's limitless abilities, helping him control his mind and be in harmony with his inner essence.

This is a system of special exercises that stimulate the activity of the respiratory system. Various versions of this technique are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases, the fight against excess weight, as well as at the rehabilitation stage as part of exercise therapy (therapeutic gymnastics). The system is very easy to learn, a clear confirmation of this is children's breathing exercises, which are often included in the physical education program of preschool educational institutions.

How does breathing exercises work?

Most of the body takes part in the breathing process, either directly or indirectly. A prolonged lack of oxygen, even if it does not kill a person, leads to severe pathological processes, the signs of which are clearly visible - general health deteriorates, performance, memory, cognitive abilities decrease, attacks of dizziness or migraines periodically occur, chronic diseases worsen, colds become more frequent, etc. The situation is complicated by the fact that the true cause of the listed consequences is not always obvious.

Breathing exercises are exercises - a certain sequence of inhalations and exhalations of a certain amplitude and frequency, which forcibly stimulate the activity of the respiratory organs. As a result, the supply of oxygen to the body increases and metabolic processes are stimulated. Long-term breathing exercises allow you to:

stabilize the functioning of the autonomic system, which allows the method to be used for the treatment of neuroses, psychological disorders, and vegetative-vascular dystonia;
stimulate the body to consume accumulated resources. Breathing exercises for weight loss are recommended by many doctors in combination with diet and exercise;
develop organs of the respiratory system affected or weakened by pathological processes. The technique has proven itself well in the treatment and prevention of bronchitis, asthma, and colds. The system is also useful in training athletes, singers and announcers;
improve overall well-being. Even if a person is completely healthy, breathing exercises can be used together with relaxation techniques.

breathing exercises by A. N. Strelnikova are best known in the territory of the former Soviet Union. The system is based on exercises that Strelnikova herself performed throughout her life. Breathing exercises form a special inhalation technique - air is quickly drawn in through the nose, while an external physical effect is exerted on the chest. The author of the method, a famous opera singer, initially used the system to eliminate voice problems, but then discovered a positive effect in the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. Strelnikova’s gymnastics have been tested in leading medical and research centers;
breathing exercises Buteyko K.P. or the method of volitional elimination of deep breathing was developed in the 1950-1960s and is used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Studies have shown that patients suffering from certain diseases experience increased ventilation. A forced reduction in the volume of inhaled air allows you to stabilize metabolism, reduce the need for medications and improve the general condition of the body. The Buteyko method has been studied by a number of foreign scientists and has earned their recommendations;
breathing exercises Korpan M.I. is used for weight loss. Deep breathing on an empty stomach stimulates metabolic processes in the body, due to which the volume of subcutaneous fat tissue decreases in the shortest possible time.

Breathing exercises in kindergarten

Respiratory diseases are especially common at an early age. The child’s immune system is still too weak and sometimes cannot effectively resist infection. Breathing exercises for children will help cope with this problem.

Group classes in kindergarten are conducted by experienced teachers and trainers, which allows you to realize the full potential of the method. Wellness sessions have the following features:

It is difficult for children to understand all the benefits of breathing exercises, so the exercises may not be interesting to them. The proper level of motivation will help create game elements;
exercises should evoke associations in children with objects that are familiar to them; for example, the teacher may ask them to copy the movement of a steam locomotive. During classes, a file of breathing exercises is often used. It is a set of large cards on which the corresponding exercises are depicted in the form of bright pictures;
Children will quickly get bored with the same program of activities, so you need to periodically change the form of health sessions. Alternatively, you can perform a short performance in the form of a sequence of several exercises.

Breathing exercises

The following exercises are most often included in a general strengthening complex of breathing exercises:

exhale completely through the mouth. The goal of this exercise is to completely empty the lungs of air. The lips are pulled forward with a tube. Then they begin to exhale slowly through the mouth;
sharp breath through the nose. The correctness of this exercise can be determined by the noise produced - the inhalation should be as loud as possible;
sharp exhalation through the mouth. As you exhale, the stomach is pulled in and thereby further stimulates the contraction of the diaphragm;
holding your breath. Before starting the exercise, you do not need to completely fill your lungs with air. They stop breathing and slightly tilt their head forward. They begin a slow countdown in their mind and at the same time gradually draw in their stomach. At the first stage, they try to reach the fourth beat, later - to the eighth;
inhale through the nose. The exercise is performed immediately after holding your breath. There is no need to try to catch your breath, the air should freely enter the lungs.

Breathing exercises are divided into static and dynamic.

Static exercises include exercises that are not combined with movements of the limbs and torso, namely exercises:
a) in even rhythmic breathing, in slower breathing;
b) in changing the type (mechanism) of breathing (thoracic, diaphragmatic, full and their various combinations);
c) in changing the phases of the respiratory cycle (various changes in the ratio of inhalation and exhalation times, the inclusion of short pauses and breath-holds due to “blowing” and other methods, a combination of breathing with pronouncing sounds, etc.).

Static breathing exercises also include exercises with dosed resistance:
a) diaphragmatic breathing with overcoming the resistance of the methodologist’s hands in the region of the edge of the costal arch closer to the middle of the chest (Fig. 5.2):
b) diaphragmatic breathing with placing a sand bag (0.5-1 kg) on the upper quadrant of the abdomen;
c) upper thoracic bilateral breathing with overcoming resistance with pressure from the methodologist’s hands in the subclavian region (Fig. 5.3);
d) lower thoracic breathing with the participation of the diaphragm with resistance under pressure from the methodologist’s hands in the area of the lower ribs (Fig. 5.4);
d) upper and mid-thoracic breathing with overcoming resistance when the methodologist presses with his hands in the upper part of the chest (Fig. 5.5);
e) use of inflatable toys, balls, various devices.

Rice. 5.2. Diaphragmatic breathing overcoming resistance from the hands of the methodologist

Rice. 5.3. Upper thoracic breathing with overcoming the resistance of the methodologist’s hands

Rice. 5.4. Lower thoracic breathing with overcoming the resistance of the methodologist’s hands

Rice. 5.5. Upper and mid-thoracic breathing with overcoming hand resistance method and hundred

Dynamic exercises are those in which breathing is combined with various movements:
a) exercises in which movements facilitate the implementation of individual phases or the entire respiratory cycle;
b) exercises that provide a selective increase in mobility and ventilation of individual parts or in general of one or both lungs;
c) exercises that help restore or increase the mobility of the ribs and diaphragm;
d) exercises that help stretch the adhesions in the pleural cavity;
e) exercises that develop the skills of a rational combination of breathing and movements.

Drainage breathing exercises are exercises that promote the outflow of secretions from the bronchi into the trachea, from where sputum is evacuated during coughing. When performing special physical exercises, the affected area should be located above the bifurcation of the trachea, which creates optimal conditions for the outflow of discharge from the affected bronchi and cavities.

For better outflow of discharge from the affected area, static and dynamic drainage exercises are used (Fig. 5.6).

Rice. 5.6. Drainage breathing exercises: A - static breathing exercises: diagram of drainage positions for all segments of the lung (I-IX; Arabic numerals indicate the bronchi for which the best drainage conditions are created in the indicated position); B - dynamic breathing exercises: tilting the torso to the left with a raised arm promotes drainage of the bronchi of the upper lobe of the right lung (I); bending the torso forward helps remove phlegm; the methodologist presses on the chest synchronously with the cough impulse (II); pulling the leg toward the chest helps increase the mobility of the diaphragm, removing phlegm from the lower lobe of the right lung (III); tilting the torso towards the foot of the left leg promotes drainage of the bronchi of the right lower lobe (IV); imitation of crawling under the barrier stimulates drainage of the bronchi of the lower lobes of both lungs (V)

Ideomotor exercises involve actively sending impulses to contract individual muscle groups without changing the position of limb segments. Such exercises, causing muscle contractions, affect their strengthening and increased performance. Exercises are recommended for patients on bed rest, immobilization, paralysis and paresis.

Rhythmoplastic exercises are more often used after the patient is discharged from the hospital at the stage of rehabilitation treatment (polyclinic - sanatorium-resort after-care) in order to completely correct the functions of the musculoskeletal system (for example, for joint diseases, after injuries or surgical interventions), as well as in neurological practice (for neuroses) . The exercises are performed with musical accompaniment in a given rhythm and key, depending on the functional state of the patient, the type of higher nervous activity, age and stress tolerance.

Exercises using gymnastic apparatus and equipment. Depending on the specific conditions, the exercises are performed: without apparatus; with objects and equipment (gymnastic sticks, balls, dumbbells, clubs, etc.); on projectiles (this also includes mechanotherapeutic projectiles).

In accordance with the general kinematic characteristics, exercises are divided into cyclic and acyclic (diagram 5.4).

Scheme 5.4. Kinematic characteristics of exercises

Cyclic movements are characterized by a natural sequential alternation and interconnectedness of individual phases of an integral movement (cycle) and the cycles themselves. The interconnectedness of each cycle with the previous and subsequent ones is an essential feature of the exercises of this class.

The physiological basis of cyclic movements is a rhythmic motor reflex. Choosing the optimal tempo when learning physical movements accelerates the process of mastering the rhythm of stimulation, as well as establishing the optimal rhythm of all physiological functions. It helps to increase the lability and resistance of nerve centers to rhythmic irritations and accelerates processing.

Locomotor (locomotive) cyclic exercises include running and walking, skating and skiing, swimming, cycling, etc. These exercises include repeated repetition of stereotypical cycles of movements.

Acyclic movements are holistic, complete motor acts that are not interconnected and have independent meaning. Acyclic movements are distinguished by their relative short duration of execution and extreme variety of forms. By the nature of the work, these are mainly exercises that maximally mobilize the strength and speed of muscle contraction. Acyclic movements, like cyclic ones, are characterized by rhythm, i.e. a natural sequence of individual phases, varying in duration and effort, with an emphasis on the main parts of the movement.

Acyclic movements are divided into: a) single motor acts and their combinations; b) actual power; c) speed-strength exercises. They constitute the main arsenal of sports disciplines (for example, sports games, gymnastics, etc.).

All cyclic exercises can be divided into anaerobic and aerobic, with a predominance of the anaerobic or aerobic component of energy production, respectively. When performing anaerobic exercises, the leading quality is power, while when performing aerobic exercises, endurance is the leading quality.

Exercise used to treat various diseases can be of low, moderate, high and (rarely) maximum intensity.

With low-intensity exercises in the form of, for example, slow rhythmic movements of the feet or squeezing and unclenching of the fingers, as well as isometric tension of small muscle groups (for example, the flexor muscles of the forearm during plaster immobilization), the overall physiological changes are insignificant. Changes in the activity of the cardiovascular system are favorable and consist of a combination of a slight increase in stroke volume of the heart and general blood flow velocity, a slight increase in systolic and a decrease in diastolic and venous pressure. There is a slight decrease and deepening of breathing.

Moderate-intensity exercise is accompanied by muscle tension of medium strength with an average rate of contraction, stretching, isometric tension and relaxation of a relatively large number of muscle groups or muscles. Examples include movements of the limbs and torso performed at a slow and medium pace, movements similar to those used during self-care, walking at a slow and medium pace, etc. The activation of cortical processes during them is moderate. Pulse and systolic blood pressure in most cases increase slightly, diastolic blood pressure decreases. Respiratory movements moderately become more frequent and deepen, and pulmonary ventilation increases. The recovery period is short.

High-intensity exercises involve large muscle groups with moderate or high strength and sometimes with a significant speed of contraction, pronounced static tension of synergistic muscles, intense changes in vegetative-trophic processes under the influence of postural-tonic reactions (for example, fast “streaming” of balls, fast walking, exercises on gymnastic apparatus, accompanied by transfer of body weight to the upper limbs, skiing, etc.). These exercises significantly increase the excitability and mobility of cortical processes. The pulse noticeably increases, systolic blood pressure increases and diastolic blood pressure decreases. Breathing becomes more rapid and deepens; Pulmonary ventilation often provides the delivery of more oxygen than is absorbed by the body. The recovery period is quite long.

Exercises of submaximal and maximum intensity involve movement of a large number of muscles with extreme intensity and high speed of their contractions, pronounced postural-tonic reactions (for example, running at speed). Patients can maintain high power of work performed for no more than 10-12 seconds, so the activity of the autonomic organs and metabolism do not have time to increase to maximum limits. Oxygen debt increases rapidly. The activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is maximally enhanced after the end of classes; a high heart rate is combined with a little changing stroke volume of the heart and an extreme increase in respiratory function.

Disturbances in gas exchange in the lungs and, especially, disturbances in breathing are inherent in many painful conditions. In some cases, special physical therapy can dramatically improve a person’s well-being and general condition.

If you have serious diseases of the lungs or bronchi, before mastering a set of exercises, naturally, you need to consult a doctor.

Breathing exercises are mastered in three stages. When performing each exercise, it is important to mentally imagine the nature of the movement, its connection with breathing and the pace of execution. The exercise system was proposed by I.B. Temkin, O.A. Sheinberg and P.I. Anikeev. It should not be viewed as something obligatory and unchangeable. After gradual, solid mastery, these exercises can be included separately in morning exercise complexes, in other independent physical education classes, they can be performed during walks and, of course, during work breaks.

When mastering gymnastics, practice in the fresh air or on the balcony, in the bedroom with an open window and, if possible, alone. Exercise daily, better 20 minutes every day than an hour 2 times a week. Clothes are soft, loose, and do not restrict movement. Music is not necessary; not rhythmic music, but Chopin or Tchaikovsky will help you relax and switch.

FIRST STAGE

Mastering the first stage usually requires 10-12 independent lessons with a gradual increase in the duration of the exercises. With the help of an experienced physical therapy methodologist, you can master everything three times faster.

A. STATIC breathing exercises (lying on your back, side, sitting and standing):

Rhythmic nasal breathing with the mouth closed at a normal pace (duration 30-60 seconds).
The same with mentally counting the number of inhalations and exhalations through the nose in 15-30-60 s.
Rhythmic breathing through one nostril while holding the other nostril with your hand, alternately 3-4 times (30-60 s).
Abdominal breathing. Trying to keep the chest motionless, during inhalation, protrude the front wall of the abdomen as much as possible, especially its lower part. During exhalation, the abdominal wall is vigorously retracted. For visual control of the correct movements, hands are placed on the chest and stomach (4-8-12 times).
Chest breathing. Trying to keep the front wall of the abdomen motionless, while inhaling, expand the chest as much as possible. When exhaling, the chest is vigorously compressed. Breathe through your nose. For control, the hands are on the sides of the chest (4-8-12 times).
Full breath. During inhalation, the chest expands while the anterior wall of the abdomen protrudes. Exhalation begins with a vigorous retraction of the abdominal wall and subsequent compression of the chest. Breathe through your nose. For control, one hand is on the chest, the other on the stomach (4-8-12 times).
An exercise in voluntarily slowing down the breathing rhythm and simultaneously deepening it. Breathe through your nose (30-60-120 s).

B. DYNAMIC breathing exercises (there is only one in the first stage):

Uniform nasal breathing combined with walking at a slow pace (in place or in motion). It can be carried out in the form of imitation of walking from starting positions lying or sitting. The exhalation is slightly longer than the inhalation, both phases are performed for a certain number of steps (60-120-180 s).

SECOND STAGE

At the first stage, it was necessary to consistently learn static breathing exercises in order to consciously master the breathing mechanism and be able to control it. At the second stage, the use of static breathing exercises of the first stage and additional static exercises, as well as dynamic exercises, is provided. At this stage, special attention is paid to the ability to voluntarily change the rhythm, tempo and amplitude of breathing movements. To master it, it usually requires 10-12 independent lessons with a gradual increase in the duration of the exercises.

A. STATIC breathing exercises (lying on your back, on your side, sitting and standing):

Uniform breathing with inhalation through the nose and jerky, in 2-3 steps, exhalation through the mouth (3-6 times).
Uniform breathing with inhalation through the nose and extended exhalation through the mouth with the pronunciation of vowels or consonants (3-6 times).
Method of breathing with counter movements. During inhalation, the chest expands and the abdomen retracts; during exhalation, the chest contracts and the abdomen protrudes. Perform the exercise rhythmically, without tension and silently. Breathe through your nose (4-8-12 times). This exercise is borrowed from Chinese breathing exercises.
Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale in one quick movement through your mouth, then hold your breath for 3-5 seconds (4-8 times).
Take a quick deep breath in through your mouth, exhale slowly through your nose (4-8 times).

Lying on your back, sitting or standing. Hands down, legs together. Raising your arms up from the sides - inhale, return to the starting position, exhale (3-6 times).
Sitting or standing. Hands to the side. Voluntary breathing while rotating the arms in the shoulder joints back and forth, alternately 4 times in each direction (4-6 times).
Sitting or standing. Feet shoulder-width apart, arms bent, hands clenched into fists. Punches that simulate boxing punches. Breathing is uniform (8-10 times with each hand).
Lying on your back, sitting or standing. Feet together, hands on waist. Taking the straight leg to the side and returning to the starting position - inhale, pause - exhale (6-8 times in each direction).
Lying on your back, sitting or standing. Legs extended together, arms down. Alternating bending of the legs at the knee joints. When performing the exercise, exhale, when returning to the starting position, inhale (6-8 times with each leg).
Sitting or standing. Feet shoulder-width apart, arms along the body. Bend the torso forward - exhale, return to the starting position - inhale (4-8 times).
Lying, sitting or standing. Feet together, arms to the sides. Bend the torso to the sides. When performing the exercise, exhale, when returning to the starting position, inhale (4-8 times in each direction).

THIRD STAGE

The third stage is the development of breathing skills under conditions of increased stress, the development of correct breathing when performing household and professional stress. Classes include breathing exercises during long walks, sports exercises or games, etc. The duration of mastering this stage is longer - 30-35 independent studies.

A. STATIC breathing exercises

Starting position - standing, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, tailbone, heels and crown on the same line; look straight ahead, relax and lower your shoulders, fold your hands on your stomach.

I. Mastering the rules of diaphragmatic breathing: as you inhale, lower the diaphragm, slightly protrude your stomach, and as you exhale, draw it in; exhalation is slightly longer than inhalation; breathe evenly through your nose at your usual pace; adjust your movements to your breathing, and not vice versa.

II. The actual exercises.

Do diaphragmatic breathing with your eyes closed, which will help you focus. Do not hurry! Practice only breathing until it becomes natural for you, and only then add new movements.
As you exhale, bend your knees, and as you inhale, straighten them. Move up and down continuously adjusting to your breathing. The lower you sit, the greater the load.
Imagine that your hands are lying on a cushion of air: palms are at shoulder level, fingers “look” down, elbows slightly lowered, do not pinch your armpits. As you exhale, squat, your hands drop to hip level, as if you are stroking the air. As you inhale, rise up, your arms also move up (at first, to control your breathing, you can leave one hand on your stomach).

B. DYNAMIC breathing exercises:

Lying on your back. Legs together, arms freely (depending on the strength of the abdominal muscles). Going to a sitting position - exhale, returning to the starting position - inhale (6-8-12 times).
Standing. Feet together, hands on waist. Squat - exhale, return to the starting position - inhale (6-10-15 times).
Standing. Feet together, hands on waist. Jumping - breathing evenly (20-40-60 times).
Even breathing when running in place or while moving at a slow to medium pace (30-60 seconds).
Deep nasal breathing when walking up stairs along a planned route.
Breathing when swimming is through the mouth; shortened energetic inhalation and extended exhalation.

During the breathing process, the upper and lower muscles of the respiratory system and the diaphragm can be involved. Physical therapy, or exercise therapy, teaches the patient to use various muscles to ensure effective gas exchange and improve respiratory health.

Features of exercise therapy for normalizing breathing

When a patient is exposed to lung diseases, breathing becomes difficult due to the fact that the lung tissue loses its elasticity, bronchial conduction deteriorates, and, as a result, normal gas exchange becomes impossible. The bronchi also suffer: their pathological spasm occurs, the walls thicken, and the branches of the bronchial tree themselves become clogged with excess sputum.

Exercise therapy for respiratory diseases is designed to enhance the separation of mucus and clear the bronchi of its excess, increase blood circulation in the respiratory organs, and stimulate the immune system.

During the recovery period after a cold or during an exacerbation of chronic lung diseases, therapeutic breathing exercises can reduce spasm of the bronchial muscles (thereby normalizing breathing) and intoxication.

Gymnastics involves 4 main methods of influencing the patient’s body:

General tonic exercises that activate the breathing process and have a positive effect on the condition of all organs and systems.
Breathing exercises aimed specifically at the respiratory muscles and affecting the respiratory organs.
Methods for correcting the current pathological process, i.e. help remove mucus, improve blood circulation, etc.
Exercises aimed at relaxing muscle groups.

Breathing exercises are effective as an adjuvant treatment or rehabilitation method. However, they cannot replace drug therapy or other medical procedures.

In addition, therapeutic exercise for diseases of the respiratory system has its limitations: it cannot be used for patients with severe respiratory failure, pleurisy, abscess and atelectasis of the lungs, and recreational breathing exercises cannot serve as a means to stop asthmatic status and be used for hemoptysis.

What exercises are most effective?

Therapeutic exercises have their own characteristics depending on what disease is diagnosed in the patient. Next, we will consider approximate sets of exercises for the most common respiratory diseases.

Pneumonia in the process of exacerbation

In acute pneumonia, breathing exercises are designed to solve the following problems:

Breathing exercises begin to be used on the third day after hospitalization, during bed rest.

For bedridden patients, the following set of actions is provided:

The patient lies on his back and breathes calmly. Next, you need to take a deep breath and raise your arms up, and as you exhale, lower them.
As you inhale, you need to lift your straight leg to the side, and as you exhale, bring it back.
The arms bent at the elbows should be raised to the sides while inhaling, and lowered while exhaling.
Then, while inhaling, spread your arms to the sides, while exhaling, pull your knees to your stomach with your hands.

All exercises from this complex must be repeated several times, taking into account the physical condition of the patient. As his health improves, you can increase the number of approaches.

The total number of exercises in the complex should be 20-25. The exercises end while sitting. The physical therapy doctor needs to closely monitor the patient’s condition and prevent sudden movements when performing exercises.

Pleurisy

Respiratory medications are prescribed from the second day of hospitalization (in bed rest), from the end of the first week in semi-bed rest, and from the second - in general rest.

Each session in bed rest lasts no more than five minutes, keeping in mind the patient’s pain syndrome, but it is better to repeat the exercises more often, for example, every hour.

Then the number of classes is reduced to three times a day for up to 20 minutes. While on bed rest, you can do the following exercises:

After transferring the patient to a semi-recumbent and general mode, you can use the gymnastics methods described above. The emphasis is on turning the body, working the shoulder joints, and circular movements of the arms - this helps remove excess fluid from the pleural cavity.

In case of a rib fracture, for the prevention of colds, during a cold (acute bronchitis), the same exercises are used as for the treatment of pneumonia. The doctor assesses the patient’s condition and duration of exercise on an individual basis.

The use of therapeutic breathing exercises for other diseases

Breathing exercises for sinusitis include the following exercises:

And a runny nose is carried out according to the same scheme. It is important to clear the nasal passages before performing exercises to facilitate breathing, and also monitor the patient’s condition: give him a short rest between approaches, and monitor the absence of dizziness.

Breathing exercises for cardiac arrhythmia involve the same breathing exercises as discussed above. Their intensity increases gradually.

You need to start with “palms”, “epaulets”, “pump” and “cat”, after a week you can add others. In breathing exercises for the heart and blood vessels, other exercises from Strelnikova’s complex can be used - “head turns”, “ears”, “rolls”, “steps”. The same scheme can be used for tachycardia, adding autogenic training and meditation. Breathing exercises for the heart can normalize the pulse and reduce the risk of possible complications.

Breathing exercises to lower blood pressure consist of half an hour of performing “palms”, “shoulders”, “pump”, “cat” and “hug your shoulders”. Each exercise to reduce pressure requires 8 breaths of 12 repetitions. If it is necessary to reduce pressure urgently, this complex is performed at once. Breathing exercises for hypertension involve repeating this set of exercises with a gradual increase in the number of breaths - first to 16, then to 32.

Breathing exercises for VSD include exercises such as rhythmic breathing through one nostril, exercises for the development of thoracic and abdominal breathing.

These techniques, in addition to reducing vegetative-vascular disorders, also work well as breathing exercises for stress, for the heart and blood vessels, and for neuroses. You can also add exercises from Strelnikova’s complex to them.

Breathing exercises after a stroke include the exercises described above for bedridden patients with pneumonia. Gymnastics for cerebral vessels should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a doctor.

Additional indications and contraindications for gymnastics

Strelnikova’s set of exercises is also used to relieve stress, for neuroses, and as an auxiliary method for allergies. Breathing exercises for constipation include exercises for “abdominal” breathing, and for vasomotor rhinitis – for “thoracic” breathing.

Breathing exercises for older people are used to correct conditions such as neurasthenia, dystonia, growing nervous experiences typical of this age, as well as to relieve stress after nervous shocks or surgical interventions.

Breathing exercises for scoliosis are especially useful for children and help prevent gas exchange disorders due to disturbances in the location of internal organs.

Breathing exercises should not be used in patients in serious condition during the first days of bed rest. Bends, turns, and active movements are contraindicated for people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have problems with cerebral vessels (aneurysms, blood clots, etc.). In addition, breathing exercises are contraindicated for people at risk of bleeding or lung abscess, because an increase in blood flow can lead to a breakthrough of a purulent cavity or vessel. P

It is also better for patients with fever to refrain from performing breathing exercises: increasing activity will prevent the temperature from decreasing.

Breathing exercises are contraindicated for people with:

high intracranial pressure;
head or spinal injury;
severe pathologies of internal organs or blood vessels.

In addition, with a high degree of myopia, it is also undesirable to perform breathing exercises due to the risk of increasing intraocular pressure. Children and patients who have undergone surgery or are preparing for it must be supervised by a doctor when performing exercises.

The effectiveness of breathing exercises (in particular, according to Strelnikova’s method) has been proven for the above pathological conditions as an auxiliary treatment. Breathing exercises do not replace the course of antibiotics and other drug treatments, but they increase their effect by increasing lymphatic and blood circulation.

Therapeutic physical training for respiratory diseases helps a person to rehabilitate after an illness, and regular exercise works as a preventive measure for vascular, pulmonary and some other types of diseases.