An Online Behavior Change Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Adults With Asthma

An Online Behavior Change Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Adults With Asthma: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aims of this study are to investigate the effectiveness of an online behavior change (BC) intervention in increasing physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behavior in adults with asthma, as well as, in improving other clinical outcomes, in short and medium term. In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, patients with clinically stable moderate to severe asthma, who are physically inactive and do not have cardiovascular and/or osteoneuromuscular impairments will be randomized into control (CG) or intervention (IG) groups (23 in each group). Both groups will carry out a minimum educational program. Additionally, the IG will receive weekly individual and/or group online sessions for 12 weeks of motivation-based BC intervention to promote PA and reduce sedentary behavior, based on both self-determination theory (SDT) and transtheoretical model (TTM). The IG will also receive a pedometer with specific strategies related to it. Both groups will be reassessed immediately after the intervention as well as 6 months after the end of the intervention. The primary outcomes are PA and sedentary behavior, which will be objectively assessed by a triaxial accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). Secondary outcomes are: asthma control, functional capacity, quality of life, sleep quality and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• people aged from 18 to 60 years
• diagnosis of moderate to severe asthma, who underwent drug treatment for at least 6 months
• clinical stability for at least 1 month (without hospitalizations, emergency care use or medication changes)
• absence of cardiovascular and/or osteoneuromuscular diseases that could interfere/hinder the performance of tests and physical activity
• absence of lung diseases other than asthma
• preserved cognitive function
• non-smokers or ex-smokers with <10 pack-years
• report being physically inactive in accordance with current physical activity guidelines
• able to make video calls through any platform and/or free app available

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of any new orthopedic limitation that hinders the performance of physical activity during the study
• perform ≥150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity during the initial assessment