Decreased physical activity in adults with bronchial asthma.
Contradictory findings have been reported in the literature on the impact that bronchial asthma may have on habitual physical activity. The present study was designed to compare physical activity, objectively measured with an activity monitor, between adults with bronchial asthma and apparently healthy controls. Valid registrations of physical activity were obtained in 226 patients with asthma and 201 healthy controls. A multiple general linear model was used to test between group differences and to correct for confounding of the results due to between group differences in BMI and employment status. In the patients, statistically significantly lower values were found for average steps/day (-1202; CI -1893 to -511; P = 0.001), physical activity level based on an estimate of a person's total energy expenditure (-0.035; CI -0.067 to -0.003); P = 0.034) and daily time (minutes) spent at vigorous intensive physical activity (-11; CI -17 to -1; P < 0.001). In addition, weak albeit significant correlations were found between measures of physical activity and asthma control. We conclude that bronchial asthma in adults is associated with a significant reduction in physical activity as compared to apparently healthy controls and is accompanied by a lower perceived health status. This is in support of the postulation of PA as potential pathway to better the outcome of care for these patients.
Radboudumc, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: alex.vanthul@radboudumc.nl.
Alex J
AJ
van 't Hul
McRoberts, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Siete
S
Frouws
Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Edmee
E
van den Akker
McRoberts, The Hague, The Netherlands; MOVE Research Institute, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Rob
R
van Lummel
Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Anja
A
Starrenburg-Razenberg
Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Alie
A
van Bruggen
Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Gert-Jan
GJ
Braunstahl
Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Johannes C C M
JC
In 't Veen
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D000072936:Fitness Trackers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry / Q000592:standards
Activity monitor; Asthma control; Bronchial asthma; Physical activity