The effect of exercise on the quality of life amongst people with a respiratory disease

Exercise is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic respiratory diseases who are symptomatic and whose daily living activities are often restricted. Exercise programs are designed to improve the physical and emotional condition of people with chronic respiratory disease and to promote long-term adherence to healthenhancing behavior. This study was a semi-experimental study on 50 patients who were older than 60 years and had chronic respiratory disease. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of intervention and control. In the experiment group the exercise program was initiated with a pattern of 3 times per week for 2 months, according to the walking check list. The walking distance for the patients was 400 meters, following a physician’s approval and its duration was 15 to 35 minutes each time. At the end of the 2 months intervention, the quality of life was evaluated in both groups for the second time. the results showed a statistical significant relation between the quality of life in patients and some of their demographic characteristics. It was also proved that an exercise program can lead to an increase in the quality of life of patients with respiratory disease. It concluded that walking exercise program improved quality of life in chronic respiratory diseases.