Associated factors of physical activity and sedentary behavior in adult patients with asthma

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) can both be considered behavioral treatable traits (TTs) in patients with asthma, that can coexist. Low levels of PA and high levels of ST can negatively influence patients' health.

To determine the distribution over the PA/ST-based quadrants, and what differences exist in clinical characteristics between these PA/ST-based quadrants.

Data were collected in adult patients with asthma at their first-time ever outpatient consultation with a pulmonologist. PA and ST were assessed using the DynaPort MoveMonitor triaxial accelerometer. Patients were classified into quadrants: 'couch potatoes' (inactive (<7000 steps/day) and sedentary (>70% time spend sedentary)), 'light movers' (inactive and non-sedentary), 'sedentary exercisers' (active and sedentary) or 'busy bees' (active and non-sedentary).

452 adult patients with asthma (63% women, age: 49±16 years, FEV₁: 87±17% predicted, ACQ: 1.9±1.0 points, AQLQ: 4.8±1.2 points) were included. On average, patients walked 7391±3317 steps per day, and were sedentary for 18±2 hours per day. Most patients were classified as couch potatoes (42%) or sedentary exercisers (38%). 15% was defined as busy bees, and 5% as light movers. Couch potatoes displayed significant, differences, in age, persistent smoking, BMI, dyspnea, 6MWT, asthma control, quality of life, FEV₁, and fatigue.

Asthma patients show dispersion across all quadrants based on PA and ST. Patients with both a low PA and high ST display significantly lower asthma control and disease-specific quality of life compared to other groups. Therefore, a behavior change interventions should focus on both aspects.