Dr. Gail Dechman of the School of Physiotherapy, along with researchers from Capital Health, are working to help those with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) to lead more active, independent and fulfilling lives by encouraging them to exercise. 

COPD causes fatigue and shortness of breath, but it has been proven that staying active improves energy levels and breathing.  Dr. Dechman and her colleagues are learning more about how exercise helps COPD patients, and what the barriers to activity are, in their community based clinic at West End Mall.  “We’re measuring our participants’ heart rate, oxygen saturation and speed as they complete ten activities that mimic household tasks, such as loading laundry into the dryer and putting groceries on shelves”  Dr. Dechman says, “This will reveal what tasks are most difficult and why, so we can intervene in the most helpful ways.”