The role of physical activity in improving the condition of patients with COPD (review article)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 6% of all deaths, confirming its relevance and making it a subject of close attention of the global medical community. The integration of physical activity (PA) into the regimen of patients with COPD plays a key role in maintaining their health and improving quality of life. However, despite the inclusion of PA in pulmonary rehabilitation programs having become a routine method, questions remain today about establishing several universal formats of rehabilitation measures on the one hand and personalization on the other. This review is based on the analysis of relevant publications obtained as a result of selective literature search using the following keywords: COPD, quality of life, physical activity, pulmonary rehabilitation. Articles indicating the effects of PA as one of the main components of comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD are considered. Tools for assessing PA, its impact on the frequency of disease exacerbations, and mortality are discussed. Results confirming the importance and necessity of physical exercises as part of pulmonary rehabilitation are presented, as well as modern problems faced by specialists conducting pulmonary rehabilitation and their potential solutions.