For people living with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, or recovering from stroke, lung health can be a daily challenge. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced endurance are common. Fortunately, specific breathing exercises can help strengthen your lungs, improve oxygen flow, and support rehabilitation.
These exercises are often used in pulmonary rehabilitation and post-stroke therapy to increase independence and improve quality of life.
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing)
This exercise retrains the diaphragm, which often weakens after illness or prolonged shallow breathing.
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How to do it:
- Sit upright or lie down with knees bent.
- Place one hand on your stomach, the other on your chest.
- Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your stomach rise.
- Exhale through pursed lips, letting your stomach fall.
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Why it helps: Strengthens the diaphragm, reduces reliance on chest muscles, and makes each breath more efficient. Particularly useful for COPD patients who tire easily.
2. Pursed-Lip Breathing
A cornerstone technique for people with COPD, asthma, or post-stroke breathing difficulties.
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How to do it:
- Inhale slowly through your nose for about 2 counts.
- Purse your lips (like blowing out a candle).
- Exhale gently for 4 counts or longer.
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Why it helps: Prevents airway collapse, releases trapped air, improves oxygen exchange, and lowers anxiety related to breathlessness.
3. Segmented Breathing (Post-Stroke Adaptation)
Sometimes after a stroke, chest muscles on one side may be weaker. This exercise helps engage the weaker side.
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How to do it:
- Place your hand on the weaker side of your chest.
- Focus on directing air into that area as you inhale.
- Hold for 2–3 seconds, then exhale slowly.
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Why it helps: Encourages balanced breathing, supports lung expansion, and prevents stiffness in weaker chest muscles.
4. Box Breathing (Controlled Breathing for Anxiety & Rehab)
Helps regulate breathing, reduce panic associated with breathlessness, and retrain breathing rhythm.
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How to do it:
- Inhale through the nose for 4 counts.
- Hold for 4 counts.
- Exhale for 4 counts.
- Pause for 4 counts before the next inhale.
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Why it helps: Calms the nervous system, supports controlled breathing, and improves oxygen use—especially beneficial after a stroke when coordination may be affected.
5. Rib Stretch & Thoracic Expansion
Maintains flexibility in the chest wall, which can become stiff with COPD or limited mobility.
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How to do it:
- Sit or stand tall.
- Inhale deeply, expanding your ribcage as much as possible.
- Hold 10–15 seconds, then exhale fully.
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Why it helps: Expands chest muscles, prevents stiffness, and improves lung volume.
6. Coughing Exercise (Airway Clearance)
For people with COPD or post-stroke difficulty clearing mucus.
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How to do it:
- Inhale deeply.
- Hold briefly.
- Cough firmly 2–3 times into a tissue.
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Why it helps: Clears mucus from airways, making breathing easier and reducing infection risk.
7. Gentle Aerobic Conditioning
Movement is key for lung rehab. Activities like walking, stationary cycling, water aerobics, or chair-based exercises strengthen breathing muscles over time.
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Why it helps: Improves endurance, reduces fatigue, and makes everyday activities easier.
Safety Tips for Medical/ Rehab Use
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Always practice in a safe, seated position if there’s risk of imbalance.
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Use a pulse oximeter if recommended, to monitor oxygen levels.
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Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unusually short of breath.
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Work with a pulmonary rehab specialist or physical therapist to tailor exercises to your condition.
Bottom Line
Breathing exercises aren’t just for athletes—they are a critical part of rehabilitation for people living with COPD, asthma, or recovering from a stroke. With regular practice, these techniques can help you breathe easier, improve stamina, reduce anxiety, and enhance your independence.