Unique therapy exercises help pulmonary rehabilitation patients

Three patients of Clearfield Hospital’s Better Breathing Center constructed a butterfly house as part of their therapy program.

Displaying the finished house are, from left, Fred Armagost (seated), Bill Lewis of Irvona, occupational therapist Rhonda Aveni and Larry Knisely of Penfield.

When Fred Armagost of Reynoldsville became a patient of The Better Breathing Center of Clearfield Hospital, he expected the staff to teach him breathing techniques and exercises that would help lessen the physical limitations brought on by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What he didn’t expect was that his therapy regimen would involve an activity that he loved to do before his illness – woodworking.

He, along with fellow pulmonary rehabilitation patients Larry Knisely of Penfield and Bill Lewis of Irvona, recently built a butterfly house that was placed in a garden on hospital grounds.

“I loved building the butterfly house. I’m a carpenter by trade, so the project was right up my alley. It felt good to work with my hands again,” Mr. Armagost said.

A Creative Idea with Therapeutic Value

The idea to incorporate this exercise with traditional therapy methods was the brainchild of occupational therapist Rhonda Aveni. She said that once she learned the three men had an interest in woodworking, she searched the Internet for ideas.

First and foremost, the project had to have therapeutic value. She came across a design for a butterfly house and determined that the construction process would help improve the men’s ability to stand for longer periods of time. They would also have to use the body mechanic and breathing techniques they were learning in therapy.

She showed the design plans to Pat Carfley of the hospital’s maintenance department who volunteered to cut pieces of wood for the project. The maintenance department also provided tools. During several individual sessions with Mrs. Aveni, the men assembled and finished the house.

“Our rehabilitation professionals are always thinking outside of the box. By incorporating exercises that are of interest to patients, we are showing them that even though they have a chronic disease, they can manage the symptoms of the disease and participate in activities they enjoy,” Mrs. Aveni said.

She added, “The mission of our department is to inspire patients and help them regain their independence while coping with chronic lung disease. This project not only had therapeutic value, but was symbolic as well.”

This isn’t the first time the pulmonary rehabilitation staff has engaged patients in fun therapy activities. Two years ago, the staff created a vegetable and flower garden on the hospital campus that patients take care of, and last year, a group of patients built a bench for that garden.

About the Better Breathing Center

The Better Breathing Center is a multi-disciplinary, 12-week program of exercise, conditioning, endurance training, education and emotional support for individuals with chronic pulmonary diseases including asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, lung resection or pre- and post-lung transplant and Black Lung. Smoking cessation counseling is also available.

The three men who participated in the butterfly house project have been diagnosed with COPD, which makes it hard for them to breathe. Those who have COPD also experience increased fatigue, wheezing and coughing.

The men say Clearfield Hospital’s pulmonary rehabilitation program has changed their lives for the better.

“At first, I was skeptical that it (pulmonary rehabilitation) would help, but it wasn’t long before I realized that it was working. The pursed-lip breathing and energy conservation exercises were really helpful. Plus, it helps to come here and be with others who are going through the same thing,” Mr. Lewis said.

Mr. Knisely added, “Before I started this program, I struggled to walk up and down steps. Now, I can walk up and down steps several times a day without problems. I believe in The Better Breathing Center and the staff so much that I recommended it to a relative who was just diagnosed with COPD.”

Admission and Referrals

Individuals concerned about breathing problems should ask their doctor about admission to The Better Breathing Center. Self-referrals are also accepted.

Individuals can also talk to their doctor about a simple breathing test that can show how well a person’s lungs are functioning. Those who should take this test include people who now smoke or have ever smoked; have a cough, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath; bring up mucus when they cough; or have ever been exposed to fumes or second-hand smoke that may have affected their lungs.

To learn more about the lung function test or The Better Breathing Center, please contact Shelley Spicher, intake and assessment coordinator, at 814.768.2325, or e-mail rehab@clearfieldhosp.org.

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