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

Day 2

Latest agenda

08:30

Registration, tea and coffee

09:00

Welcome and introduction

  • Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital
  • Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

09:15

Session 1: The Role of Exercise in Managing Chronic Respiratory Conditions

  • Karen Ingram, Therapy Lead, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Harefield Hospital (GSTT)
  • Facilitator: Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

10:00

Session 2: Considerations for exercise testing/outcome measures in chronic respiratory conditions

  • Lynne McDonald, Consultant Respiratory Physiotherapist, GSTT
  • Facilitator: Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

10:45

Tea and coffee break

11:00

Session 3: Prescribing personalised exercise programs in patients with chronic respiratory disease

Modality debate session

  1. Pathophysiology of clinical benefits
  2. Evidence
  3. Patient experience vignette

-Strength vs Aerobic vs interval vs physical activity

  • Alison Dinham, Highly Specialised Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton (GSTT)

11:45

Session 4: Managing breathlessness to facilitate exercise in chronic respiratory conditions (cycle of inactivity/breathlessness)

  • Lizzie Grillo, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)
  • Facilitator: Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

12:15

Session 5: Physical activity session

  • Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

12:45

Lunch symposium

13:30

Session 6: Strategies to overcome psychological barriers to exercise in chronic respiratory disease

  • Dr Victoria Singh, Clinical Psychologist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)
  • Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)
  • Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

14:00

Session 7: Dietician considerations for exercise intervention

  • Rasleen Kahai, Specialist Dietician, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

14:15

Session 8: Considerations for exercise in advanced disease
-Functional rehab focus
-Transplant/prehab focus
-Augmentation of exercise

  • Abigail Roberts Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, transplant team, Harefield Hospital (GSTT)

15:15

Feedback & Closing remarks

  • Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital
  • Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

15:20

Close of day 1

08:45

Registration, tea and coffee

09:00

Pathophysiology of MCC and causes of disruption in equilibrium

  • Dr Ameilia Burcusson
  • Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

09:15

Session 1: Pathophysiology of airway clearance

  • Lizzie Grillo, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)
  • Facilitator: Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

09:45

Session 2: Pathophysiology, technique and evidence of ACT methods

  • Tom Tobin Advanced Care Practitioner in Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)
  • Facilitator: Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

10:15

Tea and coffee break

10:30

Session 3: Assessment in chronic respiratory conditions

  • Leyla Osman, Senior Consultant Physiotherapist
  • Facilitator: Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

11:30

Session 4: Measuring success in ACT- outcome measures

  • Dr Gemma Stanford, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist/ Research Lead, GSTT
  • Facilitator: Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

12:15

Lunch

13:00

Session 5: Sputum rheology, mucolytics and hydration

  • Ollie Smith, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital, (GSTT)
  • Facilitator: Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

13:30

Session 6: Personalising airway clearance for chronic respiratory conditions

  • Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

14:00

Session 7: Applying Skills and knowledge to case studies with practical

  • Ashleigh Thorn, Kleine Leonardia, Afra Ahmed, Sita Kasangra, Highly Specialised Physiotherapists, Royal Brompton Hospital (GSTT)

14:45

Feedback & Closing remarks

  • Zelda Beverley, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital
  • Facilitator: Sara Buttery, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Royal Brompton Hospital

15:00

Meeting close

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.

How to book

Book now via Eventbrite