Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, making respiratory system the most affected. Other commonly affected organ systems include the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the spine, the brain, the kidney, and bones.
Tuberculosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can significantly affect an individual’s ability to engage in physical activity and exercise, says By Dr Bijal Dodia (PT), Senior Consultant -(Inpatient and critical care rehabilitation) at Sir H N Reliance Foundation hospital and Research Centre.
A TB infection can typically be latent or active. Latent means the bacteria are dormant in the body; the person is asymptomatic and is not contagious. In the active form of the disease, which is infectious, the bacteria multiply in the body, causing symptoms, says Dodia.
While TB can greatly impact an individual’s health and well-being, it is important to recognise that exercise and fitness training can play a valuable role in the management and recovery process.
While getting trained with ongoing TB, it is essential to remember the possible impact of the disease on the overall body, which may include reduced lung capacity, significant loss of muscle mass leading to muscular weakness, and decreased strength and endurance. Furthermore, the necessary medications used to treat tuberculosis can also cause side effects like joint pain and muscle aches, further affecting exercise performance.
Dodia says that it is important that individuals with tuberculosis should not engage in strenuous physical activity during the active phase of the disease. Once the active phase is over and the individual has been deemed non-infectious, gradual reintroduction of exercise can be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Before initiating any fitness training for individuals with tuberculosis, it is crucial to obtain clearance from the healthcare providers. An appropriate and individualised exercise prescription focuses on assessing the overall health status, lung capacity, muscular strength, endurance levels, flexibility, and any limitations or restrictions imposed by the disease or its treatments.
Training sessions should include a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength and flexibility training, and breathing exercises, says Dodia. However, it is essential to start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the workload to prevent overexertion and complications. Incorporating rest periods and allowing for adequate recovery is crucial, respecting the fatigue levels.
Recommended exercises may include:
Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises play an important role in regaining altered lung capacity, enhancing oxygenation, promoting relaxation and improvise overall lung function. It is a good practice to incorporate breathing exercises at the beginning and end of each exercise session.
Strength and endurance training: One can begin with walking briskly outdoors for 25-30 minutes a day, five days a week. As the symptoms improve, escalating the exercise intensity is permitted.
Some good options include:
- Stationary cycling
- Resistance training
- Light jogging
- Stretching
- Strength training for upper and lower extremity muscles
- Yogasanas like: Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breathing), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Kapalbhati Pranayama (Breath of Fire), Tadasana (mountain pose), Trikonasana (triangle pose) etc.
It is a myth that exercises worsen symptoms of TB. In fact, a well-tailored and monitored exercise program can help enhance the recovery without compromising physical function.
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