Exercise Physiology for COPD
Breathlessness makes you want to do less, and doing less makes breathlessness worse. Supervised, monitored exercise helps break that cycle, so you can breathe easier and do more.
✓ Oxygen levels monitored✓ Medicare rebates with a GP plan✓ Works with your respiratory team
Exercise is central to COPD care
Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is built around exercise training, is strongly recommended in the Australian COPD-X guidelines.
Breaking the cycle of breathlessness and inactivity
Less activity leads to weaker muscles and lower fitness, so you get breathless even sooner. Exercise won't change your lung function test results, but it helps your muscles use oxygen more efficiently, so the same activities leave you less breathless.
Exercise is dangerous with COPD because I won't get enough oxygen.
With supervision, exercise is safe for most people with COPD. We monitor your oxygen levels and symptoms and adjust as we go.
I should rest whenever I'm breathless.
Some breathlessness during exercise is expected. Resting too much leads to more deconditioning and more breathlessness over time.
My COPD is too severe for exercise to help.
People with severe COPD can also improve their exercise capacity and quality of life with a well-designed program.
Know when to get help
Follow your COPD action plan. Call Triple Zero (000) if you have any of these:
Exercise tailored to your lungs and your goals
Your COPD severity, flare-up history, oxygen needs, other conditions and goals all shape your program.
Aerobic training
Walking, cycling or similar, at an intensity that builds fitness while managing breathlessness.
Leg strength
Stronger legs make walking, stairs and getting up easier, with less breathlessness.
Arm strength
Makes everyday tasks like washing, dressing and reaching less tiring.
Breathing techniques
Pursed-lip breathing and pacing to help manage breathlessness.
Oxygen monitoring
Oxygen levels checked every session. If you use oxygen, we follow your respiratory physician's advice.
Flare-up awareness
Recognising early signs of a flare-up and adjusting activity, in line with your action plan.
Measured progress
Six-minute walk and sit-to-stand tests to track your improvement.
Your team in the loop
Reports to your GP and respiratory physician after reviews.
COPD from mild to very severe, and other lung conditions
What to expect from start to finish
Bring your latest lung function results, your COPD action plan and a list of your medications.
Assessment
Your lung function results, medications, oxygen needs, flare-up history and a baseline walk test.
Your prescription
Aerobic and strength exercise set to suit your breathing, not just your heart rate.
Supervised sessions
Oxygen levels, effort and symptoms monitored, with breathing techniques built in.
Home program
Your program in our app, plus pacing and flare-up awareness.
Reviews and reports
Walk tests and questionnaires at reviews, with reports to your GP and respiratory physician.
Ways to fund your COPD program
We'll confirm your out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.
GP chronic condition plan
If your GP is managing your COPD under a chronic condition plan and refers you, Medicare subsidises up to 5 allied health sessions a year.
How Medicare works →Veteran Card holders
Gold Card holders are covered for clinically necessary treatment, and White Card holders for accepted conditions. A GP referral is needed.
How DVA works →Support at Home and CHSP
Can fund Exercise Physiology when it's in your care plan. No participant contribution for allied health under Support at Home.
How aged care works →Extras cover
Many extras policies include Exercise Physiology. Check your limits and rebate. No referral needed.
How private health works →Reviews from home
Useful if travel is hard. Medicare rebates can apply with a GP plan.
How telehealth works →Book directly
No referral or GP visit needed. Book online and pay our standard fees.
See our fees →COPD FAQs
Is exercise safe if I get very breathless?
Will exercise improve my lung function?
My COPD is severe. Can exercise still help?
I've just had a flare-up. Can I start?
Do I need a referral?
Can I attend by telehealth?
Ready to breathe easier and do more?
Start with one appointment and we'll build the plan from there.
The information on this page is general and doesn't replace advice from your GP or respiratory physician. Keep following your COPD action plan and taking your medications as prescribed. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).