10 Oct New Research shows that swimming may assist patients with COPD

Water exercise boosts endurance in COPD

Water workouts may be the best type of exercise for people with chronic lung disease and other health problems, according to a small study.

Australian researchers found that exercising in a pool boosted physical endurance and energy levels in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and physical comorbidities such as obesity or back pain.

What the study found

"Participants in the water-based exercise training group reported an improvement in many functional aspects of their daily life such as improved stamina and ability to complete tasks such as walking long distances when shopping," said Renae McNamara, a physical therapist at The Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick.