Exercise Improves Physical Activity and Comorbidities in Obese Adults with Asthma

ABSTRACTIntroductionObese adults with asthma have an increased number of comorbidities and reduced daily life physical activity (DLPA), which may worsen asthma symptoms. Exercise is recommended to improve asthma outcomes; however, the benefits of exercise for psychosocial comorbidities and physical activity levels in obese adults with asthma have been poorly investigated.ObjectiveTo assess the effects of exercise on DLPA, asthma symptoms and psychosocial comorbidities in obese adults with asthma.MethodsFifty-five grade II obese adults with asthma were randomly assigned to either a weight-loss program+exercise program (WL+E group, n=28) or a weight-loss program+sham (WL+S group, n=27). The WL+E group incorporated aerobic and resistance muscle training into the weight-loss program (nutrition and psychological therapies), while the WL+S group performed breathing and stretching exercises. DLPA, asthma symptoms, sleep quality and anxiety and depression symptoms were quantified before and after treatment.ResultsAfter 3 months, the WL+E group presented a significant increase in daily step counts (3,068 ± 2,325 vs. 729 ± 1,118 steps/day) and the number of asthma-symptom-free days (14.5 ± 9.6 vs. 8.6 ± 11.4 d/mo) compared with the WL+S group. The proportion of participants with improvements in depression symptoms (76.4 vs. 16.6 %) and a lower risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (56.5 vs. 16.3%) was greater in the WL+E group than in the WL+S group (P

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