Deane Hillsman, MD, (chair), University of California at Davis, California, USA
Vijai Sharma, PhD, Cleveland, TN, USA
Donna Frownfelter, PT, RRT, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL, USA
Larry Cahalin, PT, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

Breathing training is an integral part of Yoga, and anecdotes suggest Yoga may be of benefit in COPD. Several current studies are exploring the benefits of Yoga for COPD. This workshop centers about Yoga techniques specifically designed for COPD by Dr. Vijai Sharma, a practicing Clinical Psychologist, who has created an instructional video for patient self use by people with COPD. This project is supported by the National Emphysema / COPD Association (NECA), as part of their mission of empowering people with COPD.

Over the past several months members of this workshop have been involved in evaluating and refining this video, and attempting to understand and reconcile these Yoga techniques with traditional western chest physiotherapy techniques and related physiology. These evaluations have attempted to identify relative strengths in both eastern and western techniques into overall “best practices.”

Physiologic constraints and rehabilitation therapy objectives will be defined by Clinical Pulmonologist Dr. Deane Hillsman. He will also discuss the respiratory psychophysiology viewpoint, and insights into physiological and psychological benefits of slow / deep breathing. The Yoga perspective will be given by Dr. Vijai Sharma. Dr. Sharma is a Practicing Clinical Psychologist, in final training to be a certified instructor in Viniyoga. The chest physiotherapy perspective will be given by Donna Frownfelter and Larry Cahalin. Donna Frownfelter is an academic Physical Therapist, Board certified in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiotherapy, and a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She is an assistant professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and co-author of “Principals and Practice of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy” which will soon issue it’s fourth edition. Larry Cahalin is an academic Physiotherapist, from Northeastern University, with a special interest in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. He is co-editor of “Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: An Evidence-Based Approach.”

The first half of the workshop will be theory presentations to define problems and objectives, followed by “hands-on” demonstrations and audience participation of beginning and intermediate COPD / Yoga techniques by two teams comprised of an expert Yoga and Chest Physiotherapist.

The last half of the workshop will mainly be demonstrations by the two teams of advanced COPD / Yoga techniques. This will be followed by Chest Physiotherapy commentary and general summary comments. A long interactive session is planned, and it is hoped the audience will bring their questions and clinical technique skills before the workshop to enhance the knowledge of all.