Self-directed exercise improves perceived measures of health in adults with partly controlled asthma

Supervised exercise leads to significant improvements in asthma control and quality-of-life in adults with partly controlled asthma; however, the role of unsupervised exercise is unknown.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of self-directed exercise on subjective and objective indices of asthma-related health. Participants (n  = 24) were assigned to an exercise group or a control group for a 12-week period. Those in the exercise group were provided with exercise programs by a qualified exercise professional. These programs were updated through electronic mail every 3 weeks to ensure progression. Controls maintained their current lifestyle habits for the intervention period. Assessments of aerobic fitness, lung function, and subjective and objective asthma measures were conducted at baseline and after completion of the 12-week intervention period for both groups. Analysis of covariance was used to detect differences between groups from baseline to week 12. Qualitative analyses were used to assess responses to open-ended questions.

Adherence to the program was poor. Perceived asthma control and self-reported frequency and severity of asthma improved significantly in the exercise group at week 12 compared with that in the control group. Objective measures of asthma such as asthma control, quality-of-life, and lung function, as well as peak and submaximal aerobic fitness did not change relative to controls. Responses to open-ended questions revealed improvements in three areas: asthma management, perceived fitness, and well-being.

Adults with partly controlled asthma are able to improve perceived control and subjective measures of asthma-related health with 12 weeks of self-directed exercise; however, supervision may be required to make significant improvements to measured asthma control, quality of life, and aerobic fitness. Future research should focus on the means to improve adherence of self-directed exercise programs in this population.