People with COPD may reduce their risk of being hospitalised by walking at least three kilometres per day, a new study has found.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term for a number of chronic lung disorders, including bronchitis and emphysema. It is a progressive, disabling condition caused by a narrowing of the airways, which leads to breathing difficulties. Smoking is the main cause.

The disease currently affects around 440,000 people in Ireland and it is the world's fourth biggest killer.

However, Spanish researchers have found that people with COPD who walk between three kilomteres (1.8 miles) and six kilometres (3.7 miles) per day reduced their risk of being hospitalised with a severe attack of the condition.

They looked at almost 550 COPD patients and found that those who maintained moderate or high levels of exercise over time, such as walking for at least three kilometres every day, reduced their risk of being hospitalised with severe symptoms.

On the other hand, those with COPD who undertook low levels of exercise or cut down on exercise over time, were much more likely to have to attend hospital due to an exacerbation of their symptoms.

The Spanish researchers noted that COPD patients ‘are less likely to engage in regular physical activity than healthy individuals'.

"However, regular exercise has been associated with reduced risk of hospitalisation for exacerbated COPD and mortality among patients with COPD. Indeed, even a low level of physical activity, such as walking a minimum of two hours per week, has been associated with decreased risk of hospitalisation for exacerbated COPD," they said.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Respirology.