Nutritional status and physical inactivity in moderated asthmatics: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Maintaining nutritional status, fat-free mass (FFM), and preventing fat mass (FM) accumulation positively impacts asthma patient well-being and prognosis.
• Physical inactivity is a significant global mortality risk factor and its role in asthma severity is under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between habitual physical activity (PA), body composition (FM, FFM), and pulmonary function in mild-moderate asthma patients.
• To explore the relationship between PA, body composition, and asthma severity.

Main Methods:

• Habitual PA and metabolic equivalents (METs) were measured over 4 days using Sensewear Armband in 42 subjects (24 mild-moderate asthmatics, 18 controls).
• Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis.
• Respiratory functions (e.g., FEV1/FVC) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Asthmatics exhibited lower PA compared to controls, with PA negatively correlated with FM and positively with FFM marker body cell mass.
• Treated asthmatics showed higher FM and lower PA, METs, steps, and FEV1/FVC compared to untreated intermittent asthmatics.
• Lower PA was associated with higher FM and increased asthma severity in mild-moderate asthma.

Conclusions:

• Lower habitual PA in mild-moderate asthma patients is linked to increased fat mass and greater disease severity.
• Enhancing habitual PA may be a valuable strategy to limit fat accumulation and potentially preserve pulmonary function in moderate asthma.
• Physical inactivity should be considered a significant risk factor for asthma exacerbation.