Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) teaches exercises and breathing control. This will help you feel more comfortable, cope better with breathlessness, and enable you to do more. The aim of the programme is to increase your independence and confidence.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

• Makes daily activities easier.

• Improves control of breathlessness.

• Improves symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Reduces your risk of going to hospital.

The programme is delivered by members of the Physiotherapy Team from the Community Adult Assessment and Rehabilitation Service and assisted by Sport Aberdeen staff.

“The classes helped me to manage my breathing and understand it’s okay to be breathless at times.”

• Initial 1:1 assessment with a Physiotherapist (about 30 minutes). You’ll be asked questions and complete an exercise test. This will take place in a local clinic or community centre. Please bring a list of your current medications and next of kin details.

• Exercise Classes: After your assessment, you will attend twice-weekly face-to-face Pulmonary Rehab exercise classes for six weeks — a total of 12 classes, each lasting around one hour. Some sessions include education talks about managing your lung condition.

• Final assessment: Once you have completed the programme, you’ll have a final 1:1 assessment to review your progress. Ongoing activity and exercise options will be discussed.

• Classes run twice a week for six weeks. Each class lasts around one hour.

“I’m able to get back to work. It has been life-changing.”

• Loose, comfortable clothing

• Flat, supportive shoes or trainers

PULMONARY REHABILITATION CLASSES IN ABERDEEN?

• There are several class options in Aberdeen City for respiratory conditions. 

• If you are unsure which is most suitable, please call (01224) 558396.

Option 1 - NHS Pulmonary Rehab Classes 

• If your exercise tolerance or walking distance is significantly reduced due to breathlessness and you would benefit from education to manage symptoms and general health, you may be suitable.

• Contact the Pulmonary Rehab Team: (01224) 558396

Option 2 - You self-refer to RGU (Robert Gordon's Uni) Student-Led Pulmonary Rehab Classes  

• If you get breathless walking up gentle hills and would like help managing your symptoms, you may be suitable.

• Self-refer by emailing: exerciseclassSHS@rgu.ac.uk

Option 3 - Sport Aberdeen Classes

• If you manage your breathlessness reasonably well but want a general exercise class to improve your activity levels, this may suit you.

• Contact Sport Aberdeen – Active Lifestyles:

• Website: sportaberdeen.co.uk/activities/active-lifestyles/breathing-conditions

• Email: ActiveLifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk

• Phone: (01224) 507701

When attending classes, please bring:

• Your inhaler

• A bottle of water

• Any walking aids you require

You are expected to attend classes twice weekly and exercise at home 1–2 additional days per week. For exercising at home, you will need:

• Supportive chair (e.g. dining chair)

• Two tins of food or dumbbells

• Pole (e.g. brush, mop, or walking stick)

• Step (if available)

• Glass of water

• Pen, glasses/hearing aids (if required)

• Home Exercise Diary and Breathlessness Scale (provided by the team)

• Relief inhaler/angina spray (if prescribed)

• A well-lit, quiet place

• Please contact the Pulmonary Rehab Team on (01224) 558396.

• You can leave a message on the answering service.

• If you choose not to continue the programme, it will not affect your future medical treatment.