The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Asthma-related Responses in Adults

Abstract

RationaleIncreasing evidence indicates that decreased physical activity may play a role in asthma development (Lucas & Platts-Mills, 2005). In light of this evidence, this study has examined the effect of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on asthmatic responses in adult patients.MethodsWe have completed a randomized, parallel group proof of concept study in which sixteen adults (33 - 78yrs) with mild to moderate persistent asthma were assigned randomly to either: i) a 12-week protocol of moderate intensity aerobic exercise plus usual care or ii) a 12-week protocol of usual care only. All participants had evidence of reversibility via spirometry as performed by the ATS guidelines. Exercise participants completed a walking program at a frequency of 3x/wk, 60 - 75% of age-predicted HRmax.ResultsBefore and after protocol completion, participants were monitored for differences in asthma control, lung function, and pro-inflammatory targets in peripheral blood and nasal lavage. Results suggest that participants in the exercise group exhibited a trend toward improved fitness levels, including increased VO2 peak and total treadmill time. Subjects in both groups exhibited improved asthma control; no changes were observed in lung function or pro-inflammatory mediator levels. As indicated by heart rate monitors and exercise logs, adherence in the exercise group was 86%.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated the feasibility of the protocol and measurements, established proof of concept, and generated preliminary data for a larger, clinical efficacy trial that will test the efficacy of exercise as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of asthma. RationaleIncreasing evidence indicates that decreased physical activity may play a role in asthma development (Lucas & Platts-Mills, 2005). In light of this evidence, this study has examined the effect of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on asthmatic responses in adult patients. Increasing evidence indicates that decreased physical activity may play a role in asthma development (Lucas & Platts-Mills, 2005). In light of this evidence, this study has examined the effect of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on asthmatic responses in adult patients. MethodsWe have completed a randomized, parallel group proof of concept study in which sixteen adults (33 - 78yrs) with mild to moderate persistent asthma were assigned randomly to either: i) a 12-week protocol of moderate intensity aerobic exercise plus usual care or ii) a 12-week protocol of usual care only. All participants had evidence of reversibility via spirometry as performed by the ATS guidelines. Exercise participants completed a walking program at a frequency of 3x/wk, 60 - 75% of age-predicted HRmax. We have completed a randomized, parallel group proof of concept study in which sixteen adults (33 - 78yrs) with mild to moderate persistent asthma were assigned randomly to either: i) a 12-week protocol of moderate intensity aerobic exercise plus usual care or ii) a 12-week protocol of usual care only. All participants had evidence of reversibility via spirometry as performed by the ATS guidelines. Exercise participants completed a walking program at a frequency of 3x/wk, 60 - 75% of age-predicted HRmax. ResultsBefore and after protocol completion, participants were monitored for differences in asthma control, lung function, and pro-inflammatory targets in peripheral blood and nasal lavage. Results suggest that participants in the exercise group exhibited a trend toward improved fitness levels, including increased VO2 peak and total treadmill time. Subjects in both groups exhibited improved asthma control; no changes were observed in lung function or pro-inflammatory mediator levels. As indicated by heart rate monitors and exercise logs, adherence in the exercise group was 86%. Before and after protocol completion, participants were monitored for differences in asthma control, lung function, and pro-inflammatory targets in peripheral blood and nasal lavage. Results suggest that participants in the exercise group exhibited a trend toward improved fitness levels, including increased VO2 peak and total treadmill time. Subjects in both groups exhibited improved asthma control; no changes were observed in lung function or pro-inflammatory mediator levels. As indicated by heart rate monitors and exercise logs, adherence in the exercise group was 86%. ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated the feasibility of the protocol and measurements, established proof of concept, and generated preliminary data for a larger, clinical efficacy trial that will test the efficacy of exercise as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of asthma. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of the protocol and measurements, established proof of concept, and generated preliminary data for a larger, clinical efficacy trial that will test the efficacy of exercise as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of asthma.