TB sufferers can exercise, this is the choice

TB disease or tuberculosis with a long TB treatment period can reduce the quality of life of the sufferer. Various activities can no longer be done freely due to decreased lung function. However, that doesn't mean you have to stop physical activity completely. Keeping the body still fit by exercising is actually beneficial for the health conditions of people with tuberculosis. So, what types of exercise can or can be done safely by TB sufferers?

Benefits of exercise for tuberculosis sufferers

Sports activities are indeed a challenge for people who suffer from active pulmonary tuberculosis. Naturally, this disease weakens the function of the respiratory system, while you are likely to "sweat" during exercise.

In addition, TB sufferers may also feel limited space for activities because they are at high risk of transmitting TB disease to others. As a result, most prefer to stay indoors. In fact, resting too much without being accompanied by physical exercise is also not good for health conditions.

TB sufferers may exercise. However, make sure you are in good condition. If the TB symptoms you are experiencing are severe enough, you should avoid exercising first. Especially if your health decreases due to the side effects of the antituberculosis drugs consumed.

However, if during treatment you feel that your health condition is getting better, doing regular exercise will actually benefit the healing process.

According to a 2019 study published in the journal Mind and Medical Science , regular exercise can help restore lung function which was previously disrupted due to tuberculosis gradually.

Other research in the journal Preventive Medicine also mentioned that sports that emphasize breathing techniques not only reduce chest tightness and pain. This method is also able to restore ideal body weight in TB sufferers who have lost weight drastically.

Exercise can be done by people with tuberculosis if the type, technique, and duration are adjusted to their health condition. Safe exercise for TB sufferers is usually light physical exercise with light intensity.

Types of exercise that TB sufferers can do

If exercise is done properly, people with tuberculosis can avoid respiratory problems while doing it. TB sufferers can also do sports outside the home as long as they keep a distance from people around them and use a mask so they don't spread bacteria into the air.

The following are various types of exercise that are both safe and recommended for TB sufferers.

1. Yoga

The bacterial infection that causes tuberculosis in the lungs results in a decrease in the capacity of the lungs to hold air. In yoga, breathing exercises can increase lung capacity.

Still under research from the journal Preventive Medicine, breathing exercises in yoga can facilitate the passage of air in the respiratory tract. Not only that, yoga can also increase the volume of air in the lungs and reduce stress in tuberculosis sufferers.

One of the yoga techniques that can be tried as a sport for tuberculosis sufferers is the head craft pose. Breathing exercises through this pose will clear the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract by helping to remove excess phlegm in the area.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Begin in a sitting position, straightening your spine, neck and head.
• Inhale and exhale hard and quickly using the throat muscles. Try to keep your facial muscles relaxed.
• While inhaling and exhaling, avoid inflating the nostrils. Make sure the breath is done consistently.
• Do it 10-15 times in one session.

This exercise includes mild for tuberculosis sufferers. Ideally, this exercise should be done for 45 minutes 3 times a week.

The study also adds that this yoga technique can have a good effect on the recovery of TB sufferers if it is done regularly for 4-6 months along with TB treatment.

2. Walk

Light exercise that can be done by TB sufferers is walking. Walking is often a therapy for people who are recovering for diseases that attack the lungs. Walking can strengthen the tissue around the lungs which will make these organs function better so that you avoid shortness of breath.

Typically, TB sufferers who need to be rehabilitated in a special care setting walk for 6 minutes every day under the supervision of an indoor physiotherapist.

On research at Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation mentioned, regular walking exercises that were carried out for 6 minutes within 2 weeks showed an increase in breathing ability. Not only that, the patient's blood circulation becomes smoother.

Meanwhile, for TB sufferers whose condition is getting better, the benefits of walking for 30 minutes every day can help improve lung function if done outdoors.

If the health condition of your lungs seems to be improving after doing this exercise regularly, you can increase the intensity. Try increasing the duration or trying other breathing and cardiac strength training, such as cycling.

3. Lift light weights

Exercising lower muscle strength by walking or cycling is an initial exercise to restore weakened lung function. Furthermore, when the body's condition has gradually recovered, sports such as lifting light weights can also be done by people with tuberculosis.

The reason is, TB patients who undergo rehabilitation with complete rest for some time, are at risk of experiencing a decrease in the mass of the upper body muscles. This is because they rarely move.

To restore muscle strength to normal, you can do muscle stretching exercises or even lift light weights. One thing you can do is movement one-two punch using light dumbbells.

You just need to stretch your left and right hands forward alternately while carrying a barbell. Exercises can be performed 12-20 times on each side.

Doing weight training is useful for strengthening the muscles in the chest, especially in the respiratory system. As with breathing exercises, if done regularly, exercise has a very good effect in reducing symptoms of shortness of breath and increasing lung capacity.

Although it is possible, pay attention to this before people with tuberculosis exercise

Like all other physical exercises, you certainly have to warm up before exercising first. For those of you who are still struggling with tuberculosis, remember that your body is not able to do sports as usual. That is why you also need the supervision of a physical therapist.

The intensity of the exercise itself depends on the capabilities of your body. Usually the doctor or therapist at the rehabilitation center will measure your ability by giving you small exercises as an experiment.

If you are a patient with outpatient TB treatment, you should still consult with your doctor about the form and intensity of exercise that can be done according to the conditions.

In addition, regular physical exercise should also be accompanied by the consumption of foods aimed at fulfilling nutrition for TB sufferers. During the treatment period, sufferers are not only required to take TB medication regularly and exercise regularly. You also need to comply with dietary recommendations and restrictions for people with tuberculosis.

If your tuberculosis is no longer contagious (latent TB), you may be able to do outside activities as usual. Ask your doctor to determine exactly when it is possible for you to do activities such as exercising at the gym or the gym .