Abstract
Obese asthmatics have worse asthma control and quality of life compared to non-obese. The impact of weight loss program on clinical control has been poorly demonstrated and the additional effects of exercise on such interventions remain unknown. Aim: To assess the effect of the exercise in a weight-loss program on asthma control, quality of life and psychosocial symptoms in obese asthmatics. Methods:25 obese patients (BMI≥35kg/m2) with moderate or severe asthma were randomly assigned to either Control (CG=12) or Training (TG=13) group. The TG performed exercise training, while the CG performed stretching exercises as placebo. Both groups performed an educational, nutritional and psychological program, twice a week for 3 months. Before and after intervention, patients fulfilled the Asthma Control (ACQ) and Asthma Quality of Life (AQLQ) questionnaires and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: After the program, TG showed an clinical improvement in ACQ (0.5±0.4 vs.0.1±0.6 score), in AQLQ (0.8±0.9 vs. 0.2±0.5 score) and in asthma symptom-free days (8.2±7.9 vs. 1.5±8.1;p=0.04) as well as a reduction in symptoms of depression (4.1±3.8 vs. 1.2±2.2 score;p=0.04) and in percentage of body weight (7.1±3.2% vs. 2.7±2.9%;p=0.002) compared to CG, respectively. In addition, the weight loss was associated with improvement on AQLQ score(r=0.47;p=0.02), symptoms of anxiety (r=0.48;p=0.01) and depression (r=0.51;p=0.01). Conclusions: The weight loss program that includes exercise is more effective to improve asthma control, quality of life and psychosocial symptoms in obese asthmatics than the same program without exercise.
- © 2014 ERS