Meyer, Andreas; Günther, Sabine; Volmer, Timm; Taube, Karin;
Baumann, Hans.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine, December 2015, Vol. 15 Issue:
Number 1 p1-8, 8p;

Abstract: Physical training has been shown to
improve exercise capabilities in patients with asthma. Most studies
focused on children and younger adults. Previously, the maximum program
duration was six months. It is not known whether the same results may
be obtained with lower intensity programs and sustained for time
periods longer than 6 months. This controlled study was undertaken to
investigate the effects of a moderate intensity outpatient training
program of one year duration on physical fitness and quality of life in
adults with asthma.    21 adult asthmatics (mean age
56 ± 10 years) were allocated to outpatient training (n = 13) or
standard care (n = 8). Exercise consisted of once weekly, 60-minute
sessions of moderate intensity. Assessments at baseline and after one
year included cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Short Form-36 and
Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaires.     Following one
year of exercise, relevant improvements were observed in the training
group for maximum work capacity (p = 0.005), peak oxygen uptake
(p < 0.005), O2pulse (p < 0.05), maximum ventilation (p < 0.005), and
most of the quality of life domains. No changes were observed in the
control group.

A physiotherapist-led, long-term,
moderate-intensity exercise program of one year duration can induce
clinically relevant improvements in exercise capabilities and
health-related quality of life in well-motivated adults with asthma.
clinicaltrials.gov NCT01097473. Date trial registered:
31.03.2010.