Outpatient exercise training for chronic lung disease - for whom, how and why?

Abstract

There is a legal entitlement to participate in outpatient exercise groups in accordance with the German Social Code (Book IX) which regulates and facilitates prescriptions for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. A medical examination with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria prior to admission to an exercise group ensures safe participation.Traditional outpatient exercise groups are conducted in face-to-face groups for 60 to 90 minutes, once a week, with structured warm-up, main and cool-down phases. In addition, since the coronavirus pandemic, the introduction of online exercise groups via videoconferencing has enabled flexible participation (even without a prescription). To date, more than 11,000 German patients have participated in online exercise groups since 2021.Scientific evidence confirms the significant benefits of regular exercise, such as improved physical performance and reduced breathlessness. The psychosocial benefits and the promotion of self-efficacy are additionally supported by the supervision of a specialized trainer. Regular exercise (e.g. in outpatient exercise groups) is an inexpensive and very effective form of therapy to improve the quality of life of people with chronic respiratory diseases.