Effects of Regular Exercise on Adult Asthma

Effects of Regular Exercise on Physical Fitness, Asthma Control and Quality of Life of Adult Asthmatics

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of regular exercise on physical fitness, asthma control, and quality of life among adult asthmatics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of asthma made by physician, or reimbursement for asthma medication from the National Social Insurance Institution of Finland (code 203), or patient fulfills the diagnostic criteria for asthma as outlined in the Finnish Guidelines for Asthma Management (Käypä hoito -suositus 2006 and 2012)

Exclusion Criteria:

• FEV1 < 60 % of predicted in spirometry
• PEF variability > 30 % at least 2 times during a 1-week monitoring period
• use of bronchodilating medication at least 4 times daily
• permanent, daily steroid tablet treatment
• patients who exercise regularly already at baseline at least 3 times a week at least 30 min at a time
• serious coronary heart disease
• severe hypotension
• severe heart failure
• severe musculoskeletal disorder
• dementia
• physician-diagnosed chronic obstructive lung disease