Allergy and air pollution Nutrition during periods of health and illness Family and community resources for planning the future Travel tips Exercise Training Sessions Group exercise training sessions, supervised by an exercise specialist, are held in the Center for Health and Fitness. Individuals are monitored during all sessions to maximize working to prescribed potential in a safe manner. A Conditioning Period , during which individuals perform more vigorous calisthenic-type exercises to promote muscular strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles and other major muscle groups. Exercise during this period might also include walking on level ground or on a treadmill, or pedaling a stationary cycle. Oxygen is provided for those whose exercise prescriptions require its use.
Exercise intensity is based upon individualized exercise plans.
A Cool-Down Period , during which patients employ stretching and flexibility exercises followed by relaxation techniques taught during the education sessions. The cool-down phase helps the body safely and comfortably return to its resting state. These sessions are held in the Center for Health and Fitness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The program is directed by a pulmonary physician and coordinated by a pulmonary nurse. The team consists of pulmonary physicians, behavioral and exercise specialists, respiratory and physical therapists, pulmonary nurses, and nutritionists who have had extensive experience in rehabilitating individuals with chronic disabling respiratory diseases.