Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a key factor in enhancing self-management and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The content and length of PR varies between countries and authorities responsible for rehabilitation. After completion of rehabilitation, it is often difficult for patients to stay motivated and perform regular exercise. Methods: In this pilot study, nine patients with moderate to severe COPD completed a 6-week training programme consisting of free diving-inspired breathing techniques, designed to be incorporated into daily activities. Results: Participants significantly increased the distance walked in 6 min by 48 m (p < 0.05) and a significant reduction was seen on the COPD self-efficacy scale (p < 0.05). Furthermore, adherence to the programme sessions was very high at 96.3% and no adverse events occurred. Discussion: This pilot study tested the feasibility of introducing breathing techniques used by COPD patients to enhance their walking capacity. The techniques were well tolerated and participant’s adherence to the weekly group sessions was high.

目的：肺康复（PR）是增强慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者自我管理和运动能力的关键因素。PR 的内容和长度因国家和负责康复的当局而异。康复完成后，患者往往很难保持积极性并进行定期锻炼。方法：在这项试点研究中，9 名中度至重度 COPD 患者完成了为期 6 周的训练计划，包括自由潜水启发式呼吸技术，旨在融入日常活动。结果：参与者在 6 分钟内步行的距离显着增加了 48 m（p< 0.05)，COPD 自我效能量表显着降低 ( p < 0.05)。此外，对计划课程的遵守率非常高，为 96.3%，并且没有发生任何不良事件。讨论：这项试点研究测试了引入 COPD 患者使用的呼吸技术以提高其步行能力的可行性。这些技术的耐受性良好，参与者对每周小组会议的遵守程度很高。