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Asthma Sufferers Lack Physical Activity

Most U.S. adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity of at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Now a new study finds the majority of those who suffer from asthma also do not meet these exercising goals.

There has been little research about the physical activity of adults with asthma. While current physical activity recommendations apply to people with asthma, their condition could limit their participation. Knowing if asthma patients are exercising and what they are doing could help health professionals in designing fitness programs for asthma patients.

Doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study to look at the physical activity levels of adults with asthma. The study included data on 165,123 participants who were part of the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Researchers say about 30 percent of the participants with current asthma, 24 percent who had asthma in the past, and 27 percent who never had asthma were considered inactive. When looking at calories burned during physical activity, the study reports the energy expenditure was 206 kilocalories per week lower among those with current asthma and 91 kilocalories per week lower than those who never had asthma.

On the other hand, the study found 27 percent of the participants with current asthma, 28 percent with former asthma, and 28 of the people who never had asthma were participating in the recommended levels of physical activity. As for the type of exercise, walking was the most frequent activity reported. Researchers found those with asthma were less likely to run, play basketball, golf and do weightlifting. However, those with asthma are more likely to use an exercise bicycle than those without asthma.

Researchers conclude the physical activity levels of adults with asthma are for the most part similar to adults without asthma. Although asthma can make it more difficult to participate in some physical activities, researchers say it’s important for asthma patients to meet the national recommendations. They hope health care providers can help educate patients about the importance of being active and help patients find a way to achieve a higher level of physical activity.

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