Strategies to overcome perceived barriers to increase physical activity in people with asthma: a prospective study

Physical activity (PA) is recognised as a nonpharmacological intervention that has benefits for people with asthma; however, motivating this population to engage in PA remains challenging. The aim of the present study was to identify barriers and provide strategies in a behavioural intervention (BI) to improve physical activity in daily life (PADL) among people with asthma.

96 individuals with moderate-to-severe asthma underwent an 8-week BI based on the transtheoretical model. Motivational interviewing, feedback and encouragement were provided to support the participants in overcoming barriers and reaching their goals. Assessments included PADL (triaxial accelerometer), self-reported barriers to PADL (19-item questionnaire), asthma control (Asthma Clinical Questionnaire (ACQ)), quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) and anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

Participants' median age was 53 years, body mass index 31.5 kg·cm^-2, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 61% pred and ACQ score 2.0. The most frequently reported barriers were fear of feeling short of breath (38%), a lack of energy (30%), being overweight (27%), physical limitations (27%), financial constraints (21%), laziness (20%) and the absence of professional support (20%). After the BI, most participants reached the minimal clinically important difference in PADL (54% for steps·day^-1) and the prevalence of barriers decreased between 65% and 77%.

Our results reveal the barriers that individuals with uncontrolled asthma can overcome when appropriate BI strategies are used to increase PADL. Modifiable barriers following the intervention included fear of feeling short of breath, lack of energy, financial constraints and inadequate professional support.