An 18-day Residential Lifestyle Program Improves Fitness of Asthma Patients

Abstract

Abstract Rationale Lifestyle interventions are known to improve many medical conditions. We are documenting the effect that a, 18-day residential medical lifestyle program has on the fitness of asthma patients using metabolic equivalent (MetS), which correlate to exercise capacity. Methods The program included 3 daily buffet-like whole food plant-based meals with no snacks, 2 to 3 times a day sessions of exercise (aerobic and anaerobic), massage, hydrotherapy, medical and spiritual interventions. The program is called NEWSTART program and takes place in Weimar, California. NEWSTART means: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, proper Sunlight exposure, fresh Air, Rest and Trust (relational, spiritual, and psychological aspects). Board certified physicians monitored patient progress. Nutritionist, exercise physiologist, psychological, and chaplaincy care is also provided. From 2282 patients that completed the 18-day NEWSTART program in 13 years we found 66 that had the starting diagnosis of asthma. From those 66, 39 had a pre and post stress test to determine MetS. These 39 patients had an average age of 59, SD 14.9. Results At baseline, asthmatics had on average a MetS of 8.38, SD 3.3, median 9, mode 10, min 2 and max 16. At the end of the program the stress test reported a MetS of 9.6, SD 3.8, median 10, mode 9, min 2 and max of 18. Asthmatic crises decreased during the program. Conclusions The lifestyle Program seems to improve fitness of asthma patients. The end MetS of 9.6 is important since a 10 to 11 MetS is considered good exercise capacity and may decrease mortality.