People with lung disease should exercise in small intervals throughout the day in order to safely maximize their physical activity, a review of COPD studies has advised.

The research, involving local and interstate experts, states that performing 150 minutes of exercise a week is proven to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic disease, risk of developing some cancers, and all-cause mortality. However, this is often unattainable for people with COPD, senior author and Curtin University (Perth, Australia) researcher Kylie Hill said.

“In addition to trying to do some exercise regularly, it is important for people with COPD to try and sit less,” Hill said. “This will be a useful approach to reduce their risk of developing a disease in their heart or blood vessels, especially because it is so difficult for them to increase their physical activity.”