[Active mind-body movement therapies and pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD].

INTRODUCTION: Active body-mind movement therapies are performed with the aim of engaging the person in taking care of their health. They are represented by Qi gong, Tai Chi and yoga. They all include postures, breathing exercises and meditation. When utilized together with traditional medicine, they allow a more holistic view of the patient, thereby facilitating improved quality of life.

STATE OF THE ART: While these therapies have been studied in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and compared to routine care or walking-type physical activity, they have seldom been studied in the context of respiratory rehabilitation, even though their effects on quality of life and functional capacity are clinically significant, while some comorbidities may likewise be positively impacted.

PERSPECTIVES: The application of these therapies should be extended to GOLD grade 1 and 4 patients while studying their effects on the occurrence of bronchial exacerbations. The value of their performance as a replacement for - or complement to - respiratory rehabilitation remains to be evaluated and confirmed.

CONCLUSION: These therapies can be used to facilitate behavior change from a preventive and therapeutic standpoint, thereby attenuating the impact of aggravating factors in respiratory disease.