Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown that exercise training improves exercise capacity, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and clinical control in asthmatics; however, not all obtain clinical relevant benefits and can be considered responders. Objective: To investigate baseline characteristics that determines the improvement after an exercise training program in asthmatics patients. Methods: Forty-three adults with moderate or severe asthma performed an aerobic training (35min/twice a week/3 months). It was considered exercise responders those patients that increased ≥10% in maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and HRQoL responders those patients that improved ≥20% in a specific-asthma HRQoL questionnaire. Discriminant analysis was used to distinguish responders from non-responders based on patient's baseline data. Results: Twenty-eight patients (65.1%) were considered responders in exercise capacity and baseline depression symptoms, ventilatory reserve (VE/VVM) and FEV1 were significant predictors to training response (accuracy 86%, p<0.001). Twenty-eight patients (65.1%) were considered HRQoL responders and worst baseline HRQoL score, increased free-days asthma symptoms and lower depression score were significant predictors to HRQoL improvement (accuracy 81%, p<0.001). Twenty–one patients (48.8%) were considered responders in both parameter and lower ventilator reserve, worst depression and lower HRQoL were significant predictors (accuracy 79%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Asthmatic patients with impaired HRQoL, better clinical control, fewer depression symptoms and lower ventilatory limitation are significantly more likely to improve physical fitness and HRQoL after a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
- © 2012 ERS