title: Feasibility of exercising adults with asthma: a randomized pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aerobic exercise appears to have clinical benefits for many asthmatics, yet a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying these benefits has not been elucidated at this time.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine feasibility for a larger, future study that will define the effect of aerobic exercise on cellular, molecular, and functional measures in adults with mild-moderate asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Recruited subjects were randomized into usual care (sedentary) or usual care with moderate intensity aerobic exercise treatment groups.
  Nineteen adults with mild-moderate asthma but without a recent history of exercise were recruited at the UAB Lung Health Center, Birmingham, AL.
  
  
  METHODS
  The exercise group underwent a 12 week walking program exercising at 60 - 75% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). Subjects self-monitored HRmax levels using heart rate monitors; exercise diaries and recreation center sign-in logs were also used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Functional measures, including lung function and asthma control scores, were evaluated for all subjects at pre- and post-study time-points; fitness measures were also assessed for subjects in the exercise group. Peripheral blood and nasal lavage fluid were collected from all subjects at pre- and post-study visits in order to evaluate cellular and molecular measures, including cell differentials and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen subjects completed the prescribed protocol. Results show that subjects randomized to the exercise group adhered well (80%) to the exercise prescription and exhibited a trend toward improved fitness levels upon study completion. Both groups exhibited improvements in ACQ scores. No changes were observed in lung function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC), cell differentials, or ECP between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate that a moderate intensity aerobic exercise training program may improve asthma control and fitness levels without causing asthma deterioration in adult asthmatics. As such, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of the study protocol in preparation for a larger, clinical trial that will elucidate the functional consequences of aerobic exercise on asthmatic cellular and molecular responses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, 1918 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0005, USA. lschwieb@uab.edu.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boyd
authors.forename: Celeste T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Estell
authors.forename: Craig Tuggle
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Ms
authors.forename: Lynn B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Gerald
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dransfield
authors.forename: Marcas
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bamman
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bonner
authors.forename: T Prescott
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Schwiebert