Special exercises for bronchial asthma. A set of physical therapy exercises for asthma. Useful video - Exercise therapy for bronchial asthma for children

Exercise therapy for bronchial asthma should be prescribed to all patients during the interictal period in the absence of contraindications. It is not performed in case of severe pulmonary heart failure (pulse more than 120/min, respiratory rate more than 25/min), colds with an increase in body temperature of more than 38˚ C.

The influence of exercise therapy on the body of a patient with bronchial asthma

Exercise therapy for bronchial asthma helps restore the rhythm, depth and frequency of breathing. At the same time, ventilation of the lungs, gas exchange in them improves, and blood oxygen saturation is normalized. As a result, the severity of respiratory failure decreases and the body’s adaptability to environmental conditions improves.

Breathing exercises help increase chest mobility. Reduces sensitivity to allergens and the tendency to bronchospasm. The balance of excitation and inhibition processes in the nervous system is restored.

Carrying out exercise therapy for bronchial asthma helps reduce the frequency of exacerbations and reduce the need for medications.

Physical therapy regimens

To the medical complex physical culture for bronchial asthma, general strengthening exercises, breathing, and sound gymnastics are included.

First, the patient must master the so-called diaphragmatic breathing. During inhalation, the diaphragm rises and the anterior abdominal wall protrudes. As you exhale, the diaphragm lowers and the abdominal wall retracts. You need to learn to take a deep breath and exhale long.

When performing sound gymnastics, the patient pronounces various sounds as he exhales, which causes vibration of the vocal apparatus, which is transmitted to the lower respiratory tract. As a result, they relax, spasm is relieved, and phlegm clearance improves.

The duration of one lesson is 10 – 30 minutes. Conduct from 1 to 3 classes per day.

The therapeutic physical education program for bronchial asthma begins with a course preparatory classes within 10 – 14 days. Then daily training sessions, walking, running, swimming, cycling are added.

It is carried out while sitting on a chair.

Diaphragmatic breathing.
Inhale: arms to the sides. Exhale: pull your knees towards your stomach with your hands.
Inhale: move aside right hand and leg. Exhale: starting position. Repeat on the left.
Inhale: raise your shoulders, turn your head to the side. Exhale: starting position.
Inhale: bend over, bringing your shoulder blades together. Exhale: pull your knees towards your stomach.
Inhale: raise your arms. Exhale: lower your arms, pronouncing the sound “sh”.
Inhale: hands on knees. Exhale: pronounce the sound “zh”.
Raise your hands in front of your chest, clasp your fingers together. Inhale: raise your arms. Exhale: lower your arms, pronouncing the sound “pff”.

The ratio of breathing phases is regulated by counting: 1.2 – inhale, 3, 4, 5, 6 – exhale, 7, 8 – pause. The duration of exhalation should be up to 30 – 40 seconds.

Set of exercises (preparatory mode)

Starting position – sitting.

Diaphragmatic breathing.
Hands on knees. Inhale: spread your knees. Exhale: starting position.
Hands on the belt. Inhale: twist the torso to the side. Exhale: starting position.
Inhale: raise your arms up. Exhale: lower your arms, pronouncing the sound “ha”.
Pose “coachman on a goat” (forearms rest on knees, eyes closed, muscles relaxed).
Movements that imitate kayaking, with torso turns to the sides (you can use a gymnastic stick).

Starting position – standing.

Inhale: raise your arms up through your sides, rise onto your toes. Exhale: lower your arms down to your sides, swing from toe to heel.
Inhale: tilt to the side, hand slides along the thigh. Exhale: starting position.
Hands in front of the chest “locked”. Inhale: raise your arms up. Exhale: lower your arms, pronouncing the sound “uff”.
Walking in place with high knees and active arm movements.

In training mode, 3 – 4 times a week are carried out physical training: running, swimming, exercise on an exercise bike for 20 - 30 minutes. After such training, it is necessary to carry out breathing exercises in accordance with the above sets of exercises.

Sound gymnastics for bronchial asthma

After inhaling through the nose, as you exhale, pronounce various vowel and consonant sounds.

In the preparatory period, they begin by pronouncing the sounds u, i, e, o. During the training period, they begin to use the sounds z, r, s, and later – zh, sh, shch.

Exhalation sounds should be made for 5 seconds with gradual lengthening during training up to 30 seconds

As you exhale, you can pronounce syllables using the sounds b, d, x, r (bakh, bat, brokhkh, drrukhkh, etc.). Sound exercises are repeated for 2 - 3 minutes up to 5 - 6 times a day. You should pause for 30 seconds between exercises.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system with attacks of suffocation. In addition to prescribing medications, physiotherapy is important, as it also has therapeutic and preventive effects. This is primarily physical therapy, the purpose of which is to strengthen the tone of the respiratory muscles, promote the removal of phlegm, and improve the supply of oxygen to lung tissue. The patient must learn to control breathing cycles and develop the muscular system with the help of special complex exercises.

Objectives of exercise therapy

Physical rehabilitation has specific goals:

Strengthening muscular system body with general tonic exercises.
Relaxation of the respiratory muscles.
Training in self-regulation of breathing and rhythm.
Removing residual excess air in the respiratory tract.
Increased elasticity of the chest.

The main objectives are to reduce spasm of the bronchi and bronchioles, improve the respiratory act, normalize the oxygen content in the blood and tissues of the body.

Indications and contraindications

Despite the effectiveness and necessity of physiotherapeutic exercises for many patients, they have a number of contraindications.

Indications:

Subacute period of concomitant pulmonary diseases.
Recovery from pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis.
The period between attacks of bronchial asthma.

Exercise therapy is not used in the following conditions:

Severe exacerbation of chronic pulmonary diseases.
Acute period of pathology of the bronchi and lungs.
Pulmonary heart failure of the third degree.
Frequent attacks of suffocation.

Structure of the exercise therapy program

The course of exercise therapy for bronchial asthma varies in duration and consists of preparatory and training periods. The initial part is the preparatory part, which lasts two to three days.

The preparatory period includes the following tasks:

study of the patient’s condition and functional capabilities;
study by patients special exercises to return the mechanism correct breathing.

Exercise therapy classes are conducted according to an individual program. In adults, its structure depends on the state of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the severity of the underlying disease, age, and physical capabilities.

Therapeutic gymnastics exercises begin with a number of starting positions:

the head end of the bed is raised, the person lies on his back;
a person sits facing the back of a chair, bends the forearms of both hands, rests his hands on the back and places his chin on it;
the patient sits on the edge of a chair and leans back.

The beginning and end of the workout is accompanied by light massage procedures on the face, chest, and shoulders. The exercises actively use breathing with long and slow exhalation, sound gymnastics, train breathing excursions using the diaphragm, develop the muscular structures of the chest and shoulder girdle. The lesson lasts from five to ten minutes (depending on various factors of the person’s health). The pace of classes should be slow. Each exercise is repeated three to five times.

During the training period there are a number of tasks:

Normalization of central tone nervous system.
Reducing bronchospasm and bronchiolospasm.
Improving ventilation of the respiratory tract.
Restoring the rhythm of full breathing with priority development of exhalation.
Strengthening the auxiliary respiratory muscles and improving the mobility of the chest frame and diaphragm muscle.
Teaching the patient to independently relax muscles and perform exercises at home.
Teaching the patient to regulate his or her breathing during seizure episodes.

In the treatment of bronchial asthma in the period between attacks, a medical recovery program is implemented - various ways and types of exercise therapy: kinesitherapy, therapeutic exercises, tasks for independent performance, training on breathing machines, bicycle ergometers, dosed and gradual walks, swimming procedures, skiing, dynamic sports. The patient must make muscle efforts during exercises at the moment of exhalation (when turning and bending the body, throwing balls). Be sure to take breaks for rest and relaxation between repetitions.

Therapeutic physical education for children includes games with active movements and exercises with large gymnastics balls.

Examples of exercises

The exercises can be done both at home and at fresh air, in special outpatient rooms.

1. Stand in the main stance. Inhaling, smoothly raise your arms from your sides. As they lower, they exhale slowly.
2. Standing on your feet, hug yourself by the area of your lower ribs. Take a breath, squeeze a little chest, exhale with a buzzing sound.
3. Straight stand, hands lie on the ribs, elbows are moved to the sides and back, at the same time the palmar surface is pressed with pushes on the sides of the chest, pronouncing the letter “O” in a drawn-out manner.
4. Begin as in the previous exercise, but when abducting the shoulders, inhale, and when abducting, exhale.
5. Sit on a chair with your hands on your sides. Inhalation is performed by turning the body in right side and simultaneously moving the arm back. Upon returning to the starting position, exhale for a long time. Same with the left side.
6. In a standing position, take your arms back and to the sides, inhale, then suddenly grab yourself by the arms. top part chest, slapping the suprascapular areas with your hands and exhaling.
7. Lie on your back, bend your arms at the elbows and place them under you. Inhaling, they bend into a “bridge”, leaning on the occipital region and elbows. As you exhale, return to the starting position.
8. Start: lying on your back, hands at your sides. Arms to the sides, inhale, press the knee of one leg to your chest with your hands, then exhale slowly. Same with the second leg.
9. From a lying position, stretch your body towards your toes with your hands and your forehead towards your knees, inhaling. Returning to the starting position, exhale.
10. From the same position: with an inhalation, raise the straightened legs at an angle of forty-five degrees, and lower them as you exhale.
11. Lying on your back: clasp the chest, squeeze it as you exhale.
12. Lying down with your knees bent. Place one hand on your chest, the other on your stomach. While inhaling through the nose, press on the chest, while exhaling, press on the anterior abdominal wall.
13. Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body, straighten your legs, lifting them up - inhale, lowering them - exhale.
14. Hand push-ups with knees resting. When raising the body up, inhale, down, exhale.
15. Lie on your stomach, simultaneously raise your arms and legs up, inhaling. Holding this position, exhale slowly.
16. Shrug - produce contractions of the trapezius muscles.
17. Bring your shoulder blades together, tense the interscapular muscles, then relax them and bend your torso.
18. Alternately tense and relax the muscles of the right and left arms, neck muscles.
19. Sound gymnastics: after inhaling through the nose, while exhaling, pronounce various vowels and consonants. In the preparatory period: “U”, “I”, “E”, “O”. In training: “Z”, “S”, “R”, then add the sounds “Sh”, “Shch”, “Zh”. At first, exhalation is performed for 5 seconds, then gradually increases to 30. Repeat the exercises for 2-3 minutes with pauses of 30 seconds, 5-6 times a day.

Method of performing elements

The average duration of therapeutic exercises is about 20 minutes. They are performed once a day, at a moderate pace. The required number of repetitions is initially 4-5, increasing to 8-10. Patients also perform the complex themselves twice a day individual exercises. Asthmatics need regular walking with a dosed regimen and prolonged exhalation. The intensity of the load should be gradually increased.

Dosed jogging gives noticeable results. They start by running in place, raising their hips low, at a leisurely pace. At first, the duration of the exercise is one minute, performed three times a day - in the morning, 30 minutes before lunch and 2 hours before bedtime. Then the duration of the run increases to 15 minutes three times a week, 10-15 seconds are added daily. When jogging, the correct breathing rhythm is important: inhale through your nose, exhale twice as long through your pursed lips.

Mild and moderate course of the disease is improved by swimming procedures. They are carried out two to three weeks after an exacerbation. To train the muscles that support breathing, you should exhale into the water, overcoming its resistance. Outdoor games with a ball in a lightweight version are recommended, lasting from 15 to 60 minutes with mandatory pauses. Thanks to them, in patients with rare attacks, they can be reduced to a minimum. Breathing simulators help bedridden patients and those with severe breathing problems perform exercises. Can act as trainers air balloons and special inflatable devices. Exhale slowly.

As children with asthma recover, hardening procedures and systematic walks in parks and on the street are effective and necessary.

In addition to the generally accepted methods of breathing physiotherapy, volitional elimination of deep breathing by K. P. Buteyko and gymnastics of the paradoxical structure by A. N. Strelnikova are used. The first technique consists of shallow nasal breathing, holding the exhalation, which improves the supply of oxygen to the lungs. The second focuses on short inhalations with a large number of intense repetitions.

Upon completion of their stay in an inpatient medical institution, patients are recommended to continue outpatient courses of therapeutic exercises with medical supervision, i.e., in an outpatient exercise therapy room or a physical education clinic with a doctor present.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory-allergic disease that requires complex treatment. Today, not only and, but also physiotherapy, as well as physical therapy, are used.

A set of exercises for bronchial asthma not only helps reduce the number of relapses of the disease, but also improves the general well-being and condition of patients. However, this method is effective only if you do gymnastics correctly and regularly, so every person suffering from this disease must master the technique of performing the exercises.

Objectives of exercise therapy for asthma

Therapeutic exercise for this disease is aimed mainly at improving the general condition of the respiratory system, as well as reducing the symptoms of the disease during an attack. Thanks to training, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the chest organs are improved, trophism (nutrition) of the lung tissue is stimulated, and its elasticity is improved.

Also, thanks to exercise therapy, the normal ratio of inhibition and excitation in the cerebral cortex is restored, as a result of which the physiological autonomic regulation of the respiratory organs improves. This leads to stress and physical exercise have less impact on the respiratory system and do not cause bronchospasm.

In addition, physical therapy is an excellent prevention of pulmonary emphysema - thanks to training, tidal volume increases and the ability to exchange gases improves.

Exercise therapy trainers teach their patients how to breathe correctly during an attack (the prolonged exhalation technique is especially important) - this can significantly improve the patient’s well-being and reduce the intensity of shortness of breath.

Training helps improve chest mobility, develop respiratory muscles and enhance mucociliary clearance of the bronchi (mucus evacuation).

Since physical exercise has a huge impact on this disease positive effects, it is recommended not only to patients suffering from the disease, but also to people who smoke or have a predisposition to allergic or inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

How to do gymnastics correctly

Before performing any exercises, consult a specialist. Only a doctor can determine when, with what intensity and frequency you can train. When prescribing physical therapy, a doctor must take into account many factors - the patient’s age, the stage of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathologies, the duration of the disease, the general condition of the patient and his physical fitness.

Regardless of the doctor's prescriptions, there are general rules which you should always adhere to when performing a set of exercises for bronchial asthma:

It is advisable to conduct training outside or after airing the room.
You can only train outside the period of exacerbation when the breathing rate does not exceed 20-25 times per minute.
If your health worsens during gymnastics - need to stop physical therapy.
Physical therapy gives more noticeable results in combination with race walking and swimming.
Gradually it is necessary increase the number of approaches and exercise, but only after the permission of the attending physician.

By following these requirements, there is no risk of harming your health or worsening the course of the disease.

How does gymnastics affect the patient: basic mechanisms

IN therapeutic exercises includes not only physical education, but also sound and breathing exercises. Regular implementation of this complex leads to an improvement in the patient’s neuropsychic state, and also helps to strengthen the respiratory and circulatory organs.

Physical education promotes muscle development, not only the intercostal muscles, but also the muscles of the back, abdominals, and diaphragm. This allows you to normalize the respiratory process and also increases the vital capacity of the lungs.

Breathing exercises improve the elasticity of the bronchi and lung tissue and their blood circulation. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in swelling of the mucous membrane, expansion of the lumen of the smallest bronchioles, as well as rapid evacuation (removal) of mucus secreted by the glands. All this helps a person alleviate exacerbations of the disease.

Sound breathing exercises also improve the resistance of the bronchi and alveoli, which helps keep the lungs in good shape and prevents the frequent occurrence of attacks of this disease.

And in combination with drug treatment, exercise therapy helps to alleviate the patient’s condition and transfer the disease to a stage of stable remission.

Contraindications to exercise therapy for bronchial asthma

Despite the high effectiveness of training for bronchial asthma, not all patients can do such exercises.

There are a number of conditions in which physical activity is contraindicated:

serious condition of the patient (exacerbation of the disease, severe shortness of breath);
threat of pulmonary hemorrhage;
malignant tumors;
fever;
severe pain during training;
severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system of the body.

It is necessary to perform gymnastics for bronchial asthma, but you should not do this if there are obvious contraindications. If you ignore this recommendation, there is a high risk of worsening your own condition.

Remember that if discomfort or pain occurs during training, you should immediately inform your doctor.

Exercise therapy complex for bronchial asthma

Need to turn around and spread both arms, turning your palms up. Repeat 12-13 times in each direction alternately.
The exercise is performed in a sitting position and must be performed bending to the side, while the hand should slide along the chair leg. The tilt should be accompanied by a long exhalation. In the initial position, you need to inhale deeply and slowly. Do 15 times.
Stand up straight, place your feet shoulder-width apart, and fix your hands at waist level. To attempt bring your elbows together in front of you, exhaling as much as possible. Perform 20-26 times.
Lean on the back of the chair, then you need to sit down slowly, taking a long and leisurely exhale. Rise up, take a deep breath. Perform 8-10 times.
The situation is the same. Do body tilts forward, exhaling. Inhale, return to the original position. Repeat 25 times.
In a lying position, it is necessary raise your leg while exhaling. Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds, lower your leg, and inhale. Repeat 5-10 times alternately with the left and right limbs.
Stand straight, with a straight back. Walking in place within 2-3 minutes. You can do up to 8 approaches per workout.

Additional exercises for asthma

If the body responds positively to performing the main set of exercises, the condition does not worsen, then after 2-3 weeks you can add other loads. These include:

Stand facing the gymnastics wall, place your hands on the crossbar, which is at chest level. Take a deep breath tighten your arm muscles as much as possible, exhale. Do 5-7 times.
Take the ball in your hand throw from the shoulder(as you exhale). Repeat alternately on the left and right hand (6-10 times).
Take the ball in your hands, raised above your head. Throw the ball down sharply, exhale and relax your hands. Perform 10-13 times.
In a sitting position, arms extended in elbow joints, are located in a horizontal position, extremely apart. Legs bent at the knees, spread apart. Take a deep breath turn sideways, exhaling. Stay in this position for 5 seconds. You need to do it alternately left and right, 10-14 times in each direction.
In a standing position, arms are extended and spread to the sides. Inhalation is accompanied raising one leg, as you exhale, you need to relax and lower your leg. Repeat alternately for each leg, 7-10 times.

Breathing exercises for bronchial asthma

Breathing exercises can be divided into 2 stages - perform one part of the exercises at the beginning of the workout, and the second at the end. The most effective breathing exercises:

For 1 minute breathe deeply, while the breathing rate should become less and less.
Palms of two hands need to make a fist, and then bring it to your shoulder, exhaling at the same time.
Legs in turn bend and press to the stomach, taking a deep breath. Exhale when returning to the original position.
Take a deep breath, exhale as long as possible, pronouncing the sounds “zh” and “sh”.
Perform in a standing position. Left hand put on the stomach, the right one on the chest. Controlled breathing for 30 seconds. At the same time, when exhaling, the abdominal muscles should retract and tense.
Place your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your waist. Take a deep breath, then hold your breath for about 3-5 seconds, exhale slowly, pronouncing the sounds “o”, “a”. Perform 10-13 times.
Straighten your spine, lean your hands on the back of a chair or crossbar Swedish wall. Inhale through your nose as much as possible hold the breath, drawing in your stomach and tensing your abdominal muscles as much as possible. Stay in this position for 15-30 seconds (depending on the patient’s capabilities). Exhale smoothly, relax. Perform 1-2 times, you are allowed to do 3-5 approaches per workout, but with breaks of at least 5 minutes.

Exercise during an asthma flare-up

During periods of exacerbation of the disease, only light gymnastics, it should be done under the supervision of a doctor, preventing the condition from worsening. Experts in the field of exercise therapy recommend performing the following exercises:

Lie on your back, with a high pillow under your head. Inhale, inflating your stomach, exhale, drawing it in as much as possible. During the exercise, you should feel a slight tension in the abdomen and diaphragm. Repeat 5-7 times.
Sitting on a chair with a backrest. While inhaling through the nose, bend your arms at the elbow joints and touch your shoulders, stay in this position for a few seconds. Exhaling, cross your arms over your chest. Perform 5-10 times.
Sitting on the edge of a stool (preferably a low one). Spread your arms wide Inhale strongly while exhaling, bend down and touch the floor with your fingers. Repeat 10-12 times.
In a sitting position, arms are bent, brought to shoulder joints. In this position raise your arms to a horizontal position, taking a deep breath. Do 5-10 times.
Sitting on the edge of my chair bend and straighten the foot. At the same time, breathe deeply and clench your hands into fists. Repeat 15 times.

What is the best time to study?

The primary set of measures should be prescribed during the period of remission of the disease. Having assessed the patient’s condition, you need to make sure that he is ready to perform physical therapy exercises.

For the first few weeks, it is better to conduct classes with a physical therapy trainer. Then, when the patient can perform gymnastics on his own, he is allowed to do it at home.

The first half of the day is best time for carrying out exercises. The ideal option is to perform a set of exercises 2 hours after a light breakfast. Under no circumstances should you begin physical therapy immediately after eating. Experts say that exercise done in the fresh air is beneficial. But if this is not possible (for example, in the cold season), then you should exercise in a room with a window open for ventilation - this will ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen.

To summarize, we can highlight the main list of recommendations compiled by experienced specialists in the field of exercise therapy. If you strictly adhere to the rules from this list, the effectiveness of the set of exercises increases sharply, and the number of complications decreases significantly. These rules include:

You need to exercise regularly at least 4-5 times a day, without interrupting the course of treatment for more than 2-3 days.
The duration of classes should be from 30 to 60 minutes– this is enough to work all the muscles, do breathing and sound exercises.
Classes need to be held outdoors or in a room where there is enough oxygen.
You can only hold your breath under the supervision of a trainer. In this case, be sure to rest your hands on the back of a chair or the crossbar of a gymnastic wall.
The exhalation must be 2-4 times longer than inhalation.
Every week you need to complicate and change the exercises. But this must be done gradually and under the supervision of a specialist.
If the condition worsens or the disease worsens, you must inform your doctor and reduce the load in training.

To summarize, we can say that a complex of therapeutic loads for bronchial asthma is an excellent addition to drug therapy. Regular exercise will improve your overall well-being and ease the course of the disease.

According to research results, it was noticed that in people who practice exercise therapy for 3 months, the frequency of exacerbations decreased by 40-50%, and in patients who perform exercises for more than six months, the number of relapses decreased from 60 to 80%. Therefore, engage physical activity in case of illness, it is not only possible, but also necessary.

Physical exercise is recommended for diseases of the respiratory organs. They help improve blood circulation, accelerate the delivery of oxygen to the bronchi, remove phlegm, and increase the overall tone of the body. Exercise therapy for asthma normalizes the amount of oxygen in all organs, teaches the patient how to control respiratory cycles, stabilizes the nervous system, helping to prevent asthma attacks. Exercise helps improve well-being and quality of life.

Exercise is part of comprehensive asthma treatment. Special exercise therapy programs are designed to achieve the following goals:

Strengthening muscle corset, improving overall well-being.
Formation and regulation of the physiological rhythm of breathing, improvement of lung ventilation.
Removal of excess air from the respiratory tract, stabilization of blood composition.
Relaxation of the muscles involved in breathing.
Prevention of allergic respiratory manifestations.
Strengthening the flexibility and elasticity of the chest.

With developed chest muscles, it is easier to cope with bronchospasms. Strengthening blood vessels helps improve oxygen supply to all organs and prevent asthma attacks. Among exercise therapy tasks for bronchial asthma - strengthening self-confidence and removing psychosomatic causes of asthmatic reactions.

Physical exercise is indicated in the period between exacerbations of asthma; their goal is to reduce the number and severity of attacks. Among the contraindications to exercise:

regular attacks of suffocation;
acute conditions with inflammation and temperature above 38°;
bleeding or the risk of bleeding;
malignant neoplasms;
cardiac and respiratory failure (pulse - above 120, breathing - more than 25 per minute).

Exercises are performed regularly, interrupted only when the condition worsens. IN exercise therapy complex for bronchial asthma, breathing exercises are included, which can be done in any condition, as well as sound exercises, which train the ligaments as part of the respiratory organs.

Mechanism of action of exercise therapy

Illness and difficulty breathing weaken the body. This is even more harmful to breathing, since the lack strong muscles and weak blood vessels impair the supply of oxygen.

A specially selected set of exercise therapy exercises for bronchial asthma strengthens the muscles of the back, chest, and diaphragm. Due to this, the elasticity of the muscles of the chest, abdominal muscles and lung capacity increases.

Breathing exercises affect the bronchi - accelerate blood circulation and metabolic processes. Due to this, swelling is reduced, fluid outflow is improved, and mucous secretions leave the bronchi faster. The gaps between the bronchioles become wider, allowing more oxygen to enter the lungs. The breathing rate returns to normal.

The sound part of gymnastics strengthens other parts muscle complex respiratory system. Oscillations vocal cords transmitted to the respiratory apparatus and pectoral muscles, which stimulates alveolar ventilation and trains breathing.

Please note: from a large set of exercises, a complex is compiled for each patient, which takes into account physical abilities, features of the course of asthma, frequency of attacks, age.

An increase in physical activity leads to the release of adrenaline, the tone of the muscles of the whole body rises, and the mood improves. During physical therapy classes, the patient acquires skills diaphragmatic breathing, learns to control attacks, gains self-confidence.

Execution Rules

On initial stages It is recommended to conduct classes in the presence of a physical therapy specialist. After all the rules have been learned, you can move on to independent training. A set of exercise therapy exercises for asthma can be supplemented and changed towards increasing loads as the muscles strengthen.

At independent studies the following rules should be adhered to:

Classes are conducted in a well-ventilated room with an open window or vent. Outdoor activities are recommended.
During exacerbations, classes are not carried out (breathing more often than 25).
If the condition worsens, exercise therapy is stopped.
Exercises are performed regularly; if you feel unwell, bronchodilators are taken before exercise on the advice of a doctor.
In addition to exercise therapy, swimming and walking in the fresh air are useful, preferably in a park area.

When practicing independently without the supervision of a doctor, they first check the patient’s capabilities, his level of physical development to select the correct load.

Set of exercises

The initial stage of classes prepares the patient for more intensive loads, which will need to be constantly increased as the muscle corset is ready and strengthened.

For the first 5-7 days, breathing exercises are performed, which teaches you to control your breathing.

Exercises in a sitting position:

The pose is free, the back is straight. Inhale through your nose, exhale longer through your mouth. Multiplicity – 4-8 times.
As you inhale, raise one hand up, hold your breath for 1-2 seconds, exhale long - lower your hand. Repeat - other hand up. Number of repetitions – 4-8.
While sitting on a chair, simultaneously bend your feet and hands at the joints. Perform 10-12 times.
Inhale through your nose, hold your breath for 1-2 seconds, exhale long. Multiplicity – 6-8 times.

The main set of exercise therapy exercises for asthma, standing:

When inhaling, the hands are fixed under the arms. As you exhale, lift up and lower. 6-8 repetitions.
As you inhale, raise your arms up, and as you exhale, tilt your body to the left along with your arms. Return to the starting position, repeat in the other direction. 6-8 reps.
Inhale through the nose, as you exhale, tilt the body to the right, the hand moves down the leg. Return to original position. Repeat - left. 6-8 times.
As you inhale, turn your body to the left while simultaneously spreading your arms to the sides, palms up. As you exhale, return to the starting position. 6-8 repetitions.
As you exhale, bend the leg at the knee and raise it to the chest; while inhaling, lower it and stand straight. 6-8 times.

Physical therapy exercises accompanied by breathing and sound exercises. Several types of breathing practices have been developed - the Strelnikova, Butenko method, which improve lung ventilation and relieve bronchospasm. Many people choose breathing exercises from yoga.

A massage or simple chest rubbing can help warm up your muscles before exercise. Rules for conducting breathing exercises:

do not perform in the cold;
holding your breath for no more than 5-7 seconds;
do not increase the load recommended by your doctor.

The result of breathing exercises should not be suffocation or difficulty breathing.

Note: it is better to exercise before lunch, when fatigue has not yet accumulated.

Features of breathing exercises for children

Breathing exercises are beneficial for all children, but a child with asthma needs them. From childhood, it is useful to strengthen the skills of proper breathing, which will not only ease the course of asthma, but also help to speak correctly.

Attention! Physical therapy exercises for bronchial asthma are performed from 3 years of age.

Together with breathing and sound exercises, they help strengthen the muscles of the chest and respiratory tract. It takes the little ones more than a month to fully master the complex.

Main features of classes with children:

The child needs to be explained why the exercises are being done, and it needs to be fixed in his mind that he feels better after the exercises.
Conduct classes at a convenient time, when he is not tired, does not want to eat or sleep.
Come up with interesting names for the exercises, captivating the child with the game.
Make sure that while performing, he does not move his shoulders, body, strain unnecessary muscles, or puff out his cheeks.
Teach the correct method of speech breathing - short inhalation through the nose, longer exhalation through the mouth.
The exercise is repeated 4-6 times, no more.
Tasks need to be changed to keep the child interested.
The exercises are easier to do with a count or with music.
You should not do breathing exercises if you have a runny nose or general malaise.

One of the basic rules is regularity of classes; you need to find time to study every day, interrupting only during illness.

Before class, you need to prepare pieces of cotton wool, a glass of water and a straw and use them for breathing training. Useful tools will diversify your activities and make them less boring. The child, however, must understand that this is not a game, but a serious matter that will help him breathe easier.

Breathing exercises in children improve bronchial function, form nasal breathing, improve metabolic processes, calm the nervous system, fight deformities of the spine and chest.

Sound gymnastics

Breathing exercises while simultaneously pronouncing sounds are called sound gymnastics. The vibration of the vocal cords is transmitted to the throat and further to the respiratory system, training the muscles.

Rules of sound gymnastics:

Inhalation is 2-3 times shorter than exhalation.
Sounds are made while exhaling air.
Classes begin with the pronunciation of vowels - u, e, i, o, later they include z, r, s, and should end with hissing vowels - shch, sh, zh.
During the lessons, add syllables with letters b, p, x, d- “bahh”, “druhh” and others.
The sound pronounced as you exhale should be gradually lengthened. The initial time is 4 seconds, you can go up to 30 seconds.

Such classes are carried out in short sessions of 2-3 minutes several times a day.

Exercise therapy for bronchial asthma teaches you to control the condition, develops and strengthens muscles, and improves lung ventilation. Regular classes, walking raises the overall tone of the body and energizes you. Exercise therapy increases the stability of the nervous system, because in asthma, many exacerbations are provoked by nervous breakdowns.

The combination of drug treatment with physiotherapy and exercise therapy makes the treatment of asthma more successful. Right choice exercise, regular physical and breathing exercises help to avoid attacks and alleviate the course of the disease.

The so-called paradoxical breathing exercises by A.N. Strelnikova was developed and formed by the author into a technique several decades ago. During this time, her results surprised many. Alexandra Nikolaevna Strelnikova saw the purpose of gymnastics not only as treating patients, but also strengthening health in general, as well as returning the voice, if it is lost, its development and staging.

In the image Strelnikov A.N..

The scope of diseases for which breathing exercises help is quite wide. In 1980, to the method of A.N. Strelnikova repeatedly returned to the fashionable magazine “Physical Culture and Sports” at that time, and gymnastics gained real fame after two articles in the newspaper “Trud” in 1981. Below we will talk about the main tasks, operating principles and exercises that A.N. taught her patients. Strelnikov and which should be regularly performed by any patient suffering from diseases of the respiratory tract for a speedy recovery.

Practice shows that results can be achieved quite quickly if gymnastic exercises for breathing are performed by the patient twice a day.
Breathing exercises have a multidirectional effect on the human body. It has a positive effect on metabolic processes (metabolism), blood circulation (including in lung tissue), helps restore nervous regulation if for some reason its disturbances occur, improves the drainage function of the respiratory tract (the ability of the bronchi to secrete mucus and, together with it contains substances that should not enter the deep parts of the respiratory apparatus). Nasal breathing is also restored, and recovery is accelerated in pathological processes such as abscesses, pneumonia, and congestion in the lungs. In addition, respiratory exercise allows you to strengthen the cardiopulmonary apparatus as a whole and increase the body’s ability to resist external influences, including increasing the psychological tone of patients.

All these undoubtedly positive influences are determined by the actual physiological characteristics of a person. The fact is that the basis of breathing exercises by A.N. Strelnikova lies in the sharpness and, at the same time, the depth of inspiration, which ensure a three to four times greater supply of oxygen to the lower parts of the lungs and acceleration with increased gas exchange in them.

In addition, Strelnikov exercises involve the entire body: head, limbs (legs and arms), abdominal Press, as well as the pelvic girdle, due to which the whole body’s need for oxygen increases synchronously with the increase in its intake into the patient’s body, and tissue respiration accordingly increases. Respiratory exercise assumes that all body movements correspond to specific phases of breathing: inhalation, for example, is performed during movements that reduce the chest. At the same time, the muscles that take part in thoracic breathing movements are strengthened. It also trains the diaphragm, the main muscle for breathing.

The effect on inflammatory foci occurs due to increased ventilation (acceleration of air movement and gas exchange in them). The course of even adhesive (adhesive) processes in the lungs can be facilitated.

In some cases, respiratory exercise can correct defects of the skeleton and ligamentous apparatus: body movements when performing any exercise are active enough for this.

Introductory lesson and basic exercises

Regardless of what respiratory disease a person suffers from, in order to remove maximum benefit from exercises by A.N. Strelnikova, aimed at a specific pathology, you must first learn the basic principles of gymnastics and a set of basic exercises.

When performing exercises, it is important to consider several rules:

You only need to think about inhaling through your nose. It should be sharp, short, noisy. You should not concentrate on exhalation. It's confusing.
Exhalation occurs spontaneously, through the mouth, passively. Holding the exhalation or deliberately trying to intensify it is wrong. It should be silent and light.
Inhalation is performed along with body movements.
All breaths are taken in the rhythm of the marching step.
Count by 8. You need to count silently, mentally, and not out loud.
Breathing exercises can be done standing, sitting, or even lying down: it depends on the physical condition of the patient at the time of exercise.

The initial exercise that the patient learns is conventionally called “Palms”

It is performed like this: a person stands with his feet shoulder-width apart, his arms slightly bent at the elbows, palms facing forward. Take 4 quick, noisy and short breaths through the nose. With each inhalation, the palms clench into fists, and with each passive exhalation, they straighten out again. After this, pause for 4 seconds. Then you need to repeat this cycle until 96 breaths are taken (these breaths are even called the “Strelnikov hundred”). You need to be careful not to move your shoulders as you inhale.

The second exercise is called “Epaulettes”

It is performed as follows: the patient stands straight, spreading his legs shoulder-width apart, and presses his hands (clenched into fists) to the body at waist level. With each new inhalation, a jerk-like movement of the arms is made downwards. Together with the exhalation, the arms return to the belt. A cycle of 8 breathing movements is performed. Then rest for 4 seconds and repeat the cycle again. A total of 12 times (for a total of 96 breaths again).

The third task is called “Pump”

The patient stands with his feet shoulder-width apart, after which he bows without touching the ground with his hands, combined with a noisy and short inhalation (through the nose, in the second half of the movement). The end of the inhalation should coincide with the stop of forward movement of the body. Then you need to raise your body a little, then bend down slightly again and inhale (as if the patient were inflating a tire using a hand pump). Repeat 12 times, 8 breaths per cycle (96 breaths).

In the evening of the first day of gymnastics, repeating what you have learned, you need to try to do “Palms”, including 8 breathing movements per cycle (12 cycles, respectively).

Then, every day, the patient must add one new exercise to the existing ones and perform all (available to him on this moment) a set of exercises twice a day. You should try to do 12 series of 8 breaths in each exercise, followed by a 4-second rest.

"Ultra-basic" gymnastics complex

Below we will describe the main exercises that were developed by A.N. Strelnikova. Patients should also include them in classes. It is necessary to study and introduce one new exercise into your own program every day (in the order of presentation below, that is, in order of complexity).

Exercise "cat"

In other words, a squat with a turn is performed like this: the patient stands up with his legs shoulder-width apart, his feet firmly in contact with the floor. Next, a light squat is performed, turning the body to the side and taking a sharp short breath (inhale through the nose).

After which the movement is repeated, but in the other direction. With the hand opposite to the turn, while the body is moving, the air is “grasped” at waist level. (12 times 8 breaths each - “Strelnikov hundred”)

Exercise "Hug your shoulders"

You need to do this: the patient “throws” his arms, hugging himself with them by the shoulders, trying to do it very hard.

With each new hug, a breath is taken. The position of the hands does not change during the execution. Contraindications to this exercise are heart disease and pregnancy (starting from the sixth month). Do 12 times for 8 breaths.

Quest "Big Pendulum"

Shows the combination of “Pump” and “Hug Your Shoulders”.

Inhalation is done along with bending forward, and hugging is done together with exhalation and movement of the body back, as if throwing it back (inhale “from the floor” - exhale “from the ceiling”). You need to do 8 cycles of breathing movements 12 times. If the patient has problems with intervertebral discs or a spinal injury, it is better to refrain from this breathing technique combined with physical effort.

Exercise "Turning the head"

You need to turn your head to the sides alternately, combining each new turn with a breathing movement. Do also 12 times with 8 cycles of breathing movements.

Task "Ears"

The patient stands straight, and his legs are slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart, his head tilts now to the right, now to the left, as if in an attempt to touch the corresponding shoulder with the tip of his ear (but the point is not to touch, so the movement can be quite light by amplitude).

An inhalation is made with each movement. Performed 12 times with 8 breathing cycles (96 breaths in total).

"Small Pendulum"

This exercise consists of vertical movement of the head (up and down).

With each new movement, a breath is taken. Performed 12 times with 8 breathing cycles. Strict contraindications are head injuries and epilepsy. In general, it is important that the patient does not do too much sudden movements. They can lead to the fact that breathing exercise will do more harm than good.

Exercise "Steps"

Probably the most difficult. To perform it, you need to stand on one leg and bend the other at the knee at the level of the waist (or stomach), simultaneously extending the toe of the same leg.

The patient squats slightly on the other leg and inhales, after which he changes the supporting leg to the second and repeats the movement along with inhalation. The “Steps” are performed 8 times, 8 breathing cycles each. If the patient is seriously ill (heart disease, injury, etc.), it is better to refrain from unnecessary tests.

The use of breathing exercises for bronchial asthma

Breathing exercises for bronchial asthma are widely recognized effective way act on the patient's body. This becomes most important during an attack of illness.

If the patient feels an attack of bronchial asthma approaching, he should sit down with his hands on his knees and try to teach himself the “Pump” exercise in this position. Bowing slightly, inhale, then slightly tilt your torso back, allowing the air to escape through your mouth without additional effort. Do 2-4 breathing cycles, then rest (no more than 10 seconds). Alternate gymnastics with rest until clear relief occurs. This usually takes 7 to 10 minutes.
If the above-described inhalation while bending forward did not help relieve the attack, you need to bend further, lowering your head forward (“look at the floor”), resting your elbows on your knees, and rounding your back. There is no need to move. It is enough just to take sharp and short breaths 2 times, and then rest for a few seconds. In this case, you must ensure that your shoulders do not move.

In addition, an attack of suffocation can be stopped with the help of the “Turn your head” and “Hug your shoulders” exercises, which are performed in a sitting position, in the amount of 2-4 breathing cycles, alternating with rest for 4 seconds. The duration of implementation is determined by the time after which the patient feels relief.

Breathing exercises for asthma also reduce the symptoms of the disease during the period between exacerbations.

Therapeutic exercises for bronchial asthma in children

Unfortunately, bronchial asthma among children is now widespread.

To prevent attacks of suffocation in children, they are often recommended physical therapy for bronchial asthma (physical therapy - physical therapy). But physical education itself can cause symptoms of the disease in children due to excessive physical effort when performing a particular exercise. Controlling the latter is quite difficult for them.

An easier to learn (and no less effective, compared to exercise therapy) method for children is breathing exercises by A.N. Strelnikova. In addition to preventing attacks of the disease and strengthening the respiratory system as a whole, breathing exercises will help proper development children, strengthen their resilience, both physical and psychological.

It is easier to teach breathing exercises to children if you do all the exercises with them.

It is extremely important for any patient to remember that, despite all the positive aspects and success of the results of breathing exercises by A.N. Strelnikova, as well as the general availability of any of her exercises, he should ALWAYS remain under the supervision of a specialist. It happens that it is simply IMPOSSIBLE to do with breathing exercises alone, without using medications.

This can be DANGEROUS to the patient's life. Therefore, A.N.’s fanatical approach to exercises. Strelnikova should not be allowed. Everything is good in moderation.