Adults living with moderate to severe asthma can achieve comparable improvements in controlling their disease through structured treadmill workouts or simple daily habit changes aimed at reducing sedentary behavior, according to a clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo (FMUSP). The findings were published in the scientific journal Pulmonology.
The eight-week clinical trial tracked 52 physically inactive adult patients aged between 18 and 65 years who were already receiving standard medical treatment for their respiratory condition. Researchers divided the participants into two distinct intervention groups to compare different approaches to physical activity, followed by a four-month monitoring period.
The first group engaged in structured aerobic exercise sessions twice a week. Each session lasted 45 minutes on a treadmill, with exercise intensity specifically tailored for each participant based on results from initial cardiopulmonary tests.
The second group received a behavioral change intervention focused on increasing physical activity throughout daily routines and reducing overall sitting time. Participants in this group wore smartwatches that issued alerts after prolonged periods of inactivity and notified users when they reached their daily step goals.
Symptom control and quality of life
According to the research team, both strategies demonstrated equal efficacy in improving clinical asthma control when evaluated using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-6). The clinical benefits observed at the end of the eight-week intervention persisted throughout the four-month follow-up period.
In addition to improved disease control, participants in both trial groups experienced measurable gains in overall quality of life, measured by the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). The study also identified a notable reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression among the participants.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe forms of the disease often experience emotional and behavioral challenges tied to physical limitations, making mental health improvements a valuable component of overall care.
Overcoming physical activity barriers
Researchers also identified a decrease in personal and environmental barriers that typically prevent asthma patients from engaging in physical activity. The study authors noted that both supervised exercise programs and structured habit-change strategies can encourage individuals to adopt and sustain a more active lifestyle.
David Halen Araujo Pinheiro, a postdoctoral researcher at FMUSP and lead author of the study, said the results expand non-pharmacological treatment options for asthma management. He stated that the findings are highly relevant because both interventions improve treatment for people with asthma, allowing patients and healthcare providers to choose an option based on personal preference and available medical resources.
The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo, established in 1912, is one of Latin America's leading medical research institutions. The research team highlighted that while non-pharmacological approaches offer clear therapeutic value, they are intended to complement rather than replace standard medical care.
The authors emphasized that physical exercise and increased daily movement do not substitute for prescribed medication. Instead, both methods serve as complementary therapies recommended by international guidelines for managing moderate to severe asthma.
