What would sports be without coaching? Men and women athletes who participate at the highest levels seek out coaches who can improve their skill set to achieve whatever goals they may have. However, even those who participate at the amateur level often get advice from coaches familiar with their sport.
Physical activity in patients with severe lung disease is known to be much less than that found in patients without this disease. The lack of physical activity in these patients contributes to further decline in their ability to accomplish even the routine activities of daily living. Programs of pulmonary rehabilitation have been devised to help improve the well-being of patients debilitated by COPD and other chronic lung diseases.
These programs, which can be valuable for many patients, have several drawbacks. The patient is usually asked to attend therapy sessions several days per week. This is not always possible due to an inconvenient location or lack of transportation. It is also recognized that results from these programs are short lived and unless some type of active training continues the results fade over time.
Recently, programs have been designed to have patients followed by physical activity coaches using current technology such as the cell phone or FITBIT. Sadly, these programs have not resulted in the long-term stability desired.
If you are in an organized physical activity program, stick with it. Regardless of the coaching method you are using, continue to participate in appropriate physical activity in your responsibility. Keep moving.
