A Behavior Change Intervention Aimed at Increasing Physical Activity Improves Clinical Control in Adults With Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Higher levels of physical activity have been associated with better asthma clinical control.

Research question: Does a behavior change intervention aimed at increasing physical activity change asthma clinical control, physical activity, sedentary time, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and anxiety and depression symptoms?

Study design and methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included participants who were allocated to an intervention group (IG) or to a control group (CG). Both groups received usual care and disease-specific education. Participants in the IG also underwent an 8-week behavior change intervention aimed at increasing physical activity. Prior to and following the intervention period, measures were made of asthma clinical control (Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ]), physical activity, sedentary time and sleep quality (ActiGraph), HRQoL (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), and anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Data on asthma exacerbations were recorded 12 months prior to and throughout the intervention period.

Results: Fifty-one participants were included (CG, n = 26; IG, n = 25). On completion of the intervention period, compared with the CG, those in the IG exhibited improvements in asthma control (mean difference [95% CI] in ACQ score, -0.8 [-1.1 to -0.4]); in daily step count, 3,605 [1,937 to 8,867] steps/d; in sleep efficiency, 9.2% [-7.1% to 21.9%]; and a reduction in sedentary time, -1.1 [-2.9 to -0.6] h/d). No between-group difference in HRQoL was observed. The percentage of participants who experienced exacerbations during the intervention period was 27% in the IG vs 60% in the CG (P = .04). The change in time spent in moderate-intensity physical activity was inversely associated with change in ACQ (r = -0.60). Compared with the CG, a higher percentage of participants in the IG reported a reduction in anxiety symptoms (43% vs 0%; P < .02).

Interpretation: In adults with moderate to severe asthma, a comprehensive behavior change intervention that increased physical activity also produced improvements in asthma clinical control, sedentary time, sleep quality, and anxiety symptoms.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03705702; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.