A cross-sectional study analysing the association between habitual physical activity levels and quality of life in adults with asthma

Abstract

Background: People with asthma believe their condition prevents them from undertaking physical activity. The objective was to determine the association between habitual physical activity levels and the quality of life in adults with asthma and meeting the physical activity guidelines. Material/Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adults (aged >18) with asthma was conducted in three general practices in Nottingham, UK (n = 128). A self-reported short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire, mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire (age, gender, ethnicity and BMI) were used to collect data. Physical activity was provided in minutes for different activities to enable the habitual weekly MET-minutes to be calculated, and the quality of life score was determined. Results: Among 128 respondents, 22% met the physical activity guidelines. Mostly younger, white, male, normal weight participants had higher physical activity levels and better asthma quality of life. Mean total asthma quality of life score was 4.5. Linear regression modelling showed a positive association between the total physical activity and the quality of life score (p < 0.001); thus higher physical activity levels were associated with less/no asthma quality of life impairment (higher score). Conclusions: The majority of asthmatics in this study had low physical activity levels, did not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines and had impaired quality of life. A strong positive association between physical activity and asthma quality of life supports the view that adults with asthma should be encouraged to be sufficiently physically active, which could be associated with a better asthma related quality of life.