Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
Yoga and Tai Chi: a mind-body approach in managing respiratory symptoms in obstructive lung diseases
Kavita Ratarasarn1, Anjana Kundu2
1Associate Professor, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin & Section Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Section, CJ Zablocki VAMC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT); Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (CAP).
Purpose Of Review:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation because of airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. Symptoms include dyspnea, cough, chronic sputum production. As the third-ranked cause of death as well as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), it poses a significant burden on patients, families, healthcare system and society. Regular physical activity is linked to decrease in morbidity and mortality associated with COPD, but implementation remains challenging. There is a need for community-based interventions that promote physical activity. Yoga and Tai Chi are widely available in the community and have been shown to be beneficial in patients with COPD as well as many of the co-morbid conditions associated with COPD.
Recent Findings:
Yoga and Tai Chi have been found to be more effective than usual care in COPD with clinically meaningful improvements in 6-min walk distance (6MWD), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). They have also been found to be comparable to pulmonary rehabilitation interventions.
Summary:
Yoga and Tai Chi provide community-based options for patients with COPD to improve their physical activity, quality of life, and pulmonary function.
More Related Videos
07:10Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
05:19Author Spotlight: An Effective Traditional Chinese Medicinal Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Abdominal Distension
Published on: September 1, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...