Researchers conducted a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise program for patients with asthma and found that exercise yielded significant improvements in asthma control.

This study was designed using the ORBIT framework to assess the impact of aerobic exercise on asthma control.

The study recruited 66 adult patients with confirmed asthma and poor asthma control and was randomized to receive 12 weeks of usual care or supervised aerobic exercise. After completion of the intervention, the investigators found that patients in the exercise group had clinically and statistically improved asthma control (0.5 decrease in ACQ), short-acting bronchodilator (SABA) usage (nearly three times less per week), and depressive symptoms (four-point drop in BDI-II).

"A 12-week structured aerobic exercise program could be considered as an adjunct to current pharmacological therapy in adult asthma patients with poor asthma control," said the lead researcher.

http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/article.aspx?articleid=2457271