Exercise and Airway Clearance in Chronic Respiratory Disease 2026

Programme overview

This two-day course offers comprehensive, evidence-based training in two core areas of respiratory physiotherapy: exercise and physical activity for advanced respiratory disease (Day 1) and airway clearance interventions for chronic respiratory conditions (Day 2). Delegates may attend either day independently or both days, gaining practical skills, current evidence, and expert clinical insight to support the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred respiratory care.

Day 1

Exercise and physical activity play a critical role in the management of advanced respiratory disease, improving symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, assessment, and delivery of exercise interventions for individuals with complex and advanced respiratory conditions. It will explore the physiological considerations, safety challenges, and practical strategies required to prescribe and adapt exercise across a range of advanced disease states.

Drawing on the expertise of national and international leaders in respiratory and exercise science, the course offers an evidence-based and clinically focused programme designed for healthcare professionals involved in respiratory care. Participants will gain insight into current research, emerging practices, and real-world clinical application, while engaging in a multidisciplinary learning environment that supports discussion and knowledge sharing.

Day 2

Airway clearance is a fundamental component of respiratory physiotherapy, supporting the management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory disease by improving mucus clearance, ventilation, and overall respiratory function. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, assessment, and delivery of airway clearance interventions across a range of clinical settings and patient populations. It will explore the physiological basis of secretion retention, the indications and contraindications for different airway clearance techniques, and practical strategies for selecting and tailoring treatments to individual patient needs.

Drawing on the expertise of leaders in respiratory physiotherapy, the course offers an evidence-based and clinically focused programme designed for healthcare professionals involved in respiratory care. Participants will review current guidelines and research, examine the effectiveness of traditional and emerging airway clearance techniques, and develop confidence in integrating these approaches into everyday clinical practice. The programme will also provide opportunities to discuss complex cases, share experiences, and learn within a multidisciplinary environment that supports collaborative learning.

All participants will receive an electronic certificate of attendance upon completion.

Format

A two-day, in-person symposium comprising expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, practical sessions, and interactive Q&A.

Learning objectives

Day 1

To have an in depth understanding of the clinical benefits of exercise in chronic respiratory disease including physiology, evidence base and guidelines.
To be confident in prescribing personalised exercise programs in patients with chronic respiratory disease in a variety of clinical presentations.
To have an understanding of managing risk factors for exercising patients with chronic respiratory disease in a variety of clinical presentations.
Evaluate and practically apply adjuncts to exercise in chronic respiratory disease.

Day 2

To develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of normal lung and airway clearance mechanisms, and factors that prevent normal airway clearance in disease.
To understand the physiological principles required to achieve effective airway clearance in the diseased lung.
To be able to assess the need for airway clearance techniques (ACTs) in patients with chronic respiratory conditions and critically appraise outcome measures that may be used alongside ACTs.
To be able to theoretically and practically apply physiological mechanisms to augment airway clearance using a range of methods (including ACBT , AD, PEP, OPEP, Exercise, NIV , Muco active medication).
To analyse the factors that may influence the clinical rationale for prescribing different airway clearance methods.

Who should attend

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals working with individuals living with advanced respiratory disease who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in the assessment and delivery of exercise-based interventions. This includes, but is not limited to, respiratory and rehabilitation physiotherapists, respiratory physicians and consultants, GPs, specialist registrars, clinical exercise physiologists, nurses and clinical nurse specialists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals involved in respiratory care.