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Exercise-induced asthma after walking, running and cycling
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Different exercise types do not significantly impact bronchial response in exercise-induced asthma (EIA). This study found similar decreases in peak expiratory flow across treadmill walking, running, and cycling, suggesting exercise modality is not a key factor in EIA.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition affecting respiratory function during physical activity.
- Understanding the impact of different exercise modalities on EIA is crucial for patient management and exercise prescription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the bronchial response to four different types of 6-minute exercise in individuals with EIA.
- To determine if the type of exercise influences the severity of bronchoconstriction in EIA.
Main Methods:
- Eleven subjects with EIA performed treadmill walking, treadmill running, bicycle ergometry, and free running for 6 minutes each.
- Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) were controlled, and ventilation was monitored using pneumotachography.
- Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured before and after exercise to assess bronchial response, alongside rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Results:
- All four exercise types resulted in a significant decrease in PEF, with no statistically significant differences between them.
- Mean PEF decrease ranged from 25.5% (treadmill running) to 27.0% (free running).
- Total ventilation during the 6-minute exercise periods was comparable across treadmill walking, running, and cycling.
Conclusions:
- The type of exercise performed appears to be of minor importance in eliciting bronchial responses in individuals with exercise-induced asthma.
- These findings suggest that exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in EIA is primarily related to the intensity and duration of ventilation rather than the specific mode of exercise.