“I am quiet when the blood oxygen is 92% -94%, do not need to inhale oxygen, but as soon as the start of the activity, even if it is only in place to walk two steps, the blood oxygen can fall to 82%, I do not dare to exercise ……” Wei Dabo is a sportsman when he was young, and now, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has ‘deprived’ him of his biggest hobby. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has “deprived” him of his biggest hobby.

“Even if the blood oxygen drops when you move, you still need to exercise moderately, and patients with low reserve capacity for respiratory function should exercise on oxygen.” In “Watch Breathing” recently launched a live program “national home oxygen therapy ‘standard answer’ please check!” in which Ma Jing, director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Peking University First Hospital, explained in detail how oxygen therapy can be paired with rehabilitation exercises.

Why does blood oxygen drop when you move?

“When we exercise, our heart rate increases and blood flow speeds up, while our respiratory rate also increases, accelerating the process of oxygen entering the alveoli, so it is unlikely that normal people will experience hypoxia during exercise. However, when the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is more severe, because the airways become narrower, less oxygen per unit of time goes into the alveoli when blood flow increases, and thus hypoxia occurs.”

“Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are reluctant to exercise because of low oxygen and labored breathing when they do exercise; however, prolonged lack of exercise may lead to muscle loss, decreased respiratory muscle strength, weakened physical function, and even gradual weakening of cardiac muscle function. Therefore, you should not give up exercise even if blood oxygen drops.”

Oxygen therapy with rehabilitation exercise, the key to grasp 4 points

“What should we do if we have low oxygen when we move? Simply put, ‘make up for what’s lacking’ and don’t interrupt oxygen intake during rehabilitation exercises. During rehabilitation exercises, especially during aerobic exercise, it is recommended to wear a portable oxygen supply device and inhale oxygen as needed. It may be necessary to change oxygen intake during exercise, such as upgrading nasal cannula oxygen to mask oxygen.”

“Continuous monitoring of blood oxygen is required during exercise, and it is generally recommended that blood oxygen be maintained above 88%. If blood oxygen continues to drop during exercise, as well as if you feel fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pain, stop exercising immediately and adjust the oxygen flow or rest.” Director Ma Jing preached.

“Need to carry oxygen therapy equipment for training, you should ensure that the exercise space is spacious, to ensure the safety of oxygen supply equipment, and to avoid oxygen pipeline entanglement with exercise equipment. Extension tubes can also be used appropriately, and regarding the length of oxygen catheters, some studies have shown that oxygen lines within 30 meters will basically not affect the oxygen flow and oxygen concentration.”

“In addition, once you start exercising, as long as you get through the first week, it is usually obvious that your athletic ability has improved and your muscles are stronger than before. Therefore, if it is obvious that the original training program is easier to execute, you can communicate with your doctor or respiratory therapist on a regular basis to develop the next phase of your training program and oxygen therapy regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.”

What are the best exercise programs for home oxygen therapy patients?

“Low-intensity, aerobic exercise, such as walking and cycling, is recommended for 20-60 minutes at least three times a week. For strength training, light elastic bands, dumbbells or self-weight training can be used, 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing the intensity. Stretching and flexibility training helps to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle stiffness, and relaxing stretches should be performed after exercise. Breathing exercises should include abdominal and lip-contracted breathing and regulate the rhythm of breathing in conjunction with daily activities.” (Click on the blue font to see specific methods of elastic band training)

Finally, Director Ma Jing especially reminds everyone, “Before rehabilitation training, it is best to ask a rehabilitation therapist to conduct a rehabilitation assessment and formulate a personalized rehabilitation training plan based on the stage of the disease, the need for oxygen therapy and the overall health condition. It is through scientific rehabilitation training and rational management that quality of life can be effectively improved and symptoms alleviated.”

Expert Profile Ma Jing

Director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, member of the Sleep Respiratory Disorders Group of the Respiratory Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, member of the Sleep Respiratory Disorders Working Committee of the Respiratory Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, member of the Sleep Medicine Specialized Committee of the Chinese Medical Association, and deputy head of the Sleep Respiratory Disorders Group of the Respiratory Branch of the Beijing Medical Association.

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