Constant-Load Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Aerobic Fitness in Moderate-to-Severe Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ronaldo Aparecido da Silva; Patrícia Gonçalves Leite Rocco; Rafael Stelmach; Luanda Mara da Silva Oliveira; Maria Notomi Sato; Alberto Cukier; Celso Ricardo Fernandes Carvalho

doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2022.05.023

Constant-Load Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Aerobic Fitness in Moderate-to-Severe Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022 Oct;10(10):2596-2604.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.05.023. Epub 2022 May 30.

Authors

Ronaldo Aparecido da Silva¹, Patrícia Gonçalves Leite Rocco¹, Rafael Stelmach², Luanda Mara da Silva Oliveira³, Maria Notomi Sato³, Alberto Cukier², Celso Ricardo Fernandes Carvalho⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
² Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
³ Laboratory of Immunodeficiencies and Dermatology, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
⁴ Department of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: cscarval@usp.br.

PMID: 35654369
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.05.023

Abstract

Background: The effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on dyspnea and aerobic fitness in adults with asthma are poorly understood.

Objective: To compare constant-load exercise (CLE) versus HIIT for improvements in dyspnea symptoms and clinical control in adults with moderate-to-severe asthma.

Methods: Participants were randomized into 2 groups: CLE (n = 27; started with 70% of maximal watts [Wmax] obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing [CPET]) and HIIT (n = 28; started with 80% and increased until 140% Wmax). Exercise training lasted 12 weeks (twice/week, 40 minutes/session on a cycle ergometer), and the intensity was based on CPET. Clinical asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire), aerobic fitness (the peak of oxygen uptake), health-related quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), physical activity levels (PAL; accelerometer), symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire), and dyspnea were evaluated before and after the intervention. Systemic and airway inflammation were also assessed. Two-way analysis of variance and χ² tests were used for comparisons. Sixteen participants dropped out during the interventions and returned for the final evaluations.

Results: The CLE and HIIT groups showed similar improvements in aerobic fitness. The HIIT group had lower dyspnea and fatigue perception scores and higher PAL than the CLE group (P < .05) and clinical improvements in the psychosocial distress. In addition, only the HIIT group achieved a minimal clinically important difference in asthma symptoms. There was no change in the systemic and airway inflammation (P > .05).

Conclusion: Both interventions promoted similar improvements in aerobic fitness; however, HIIT induced a greater reduction in dyspnea and fatigue perception. Similar responses were observed for other variables.

Keywords: Inflammation; Lung; Physical activity.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Asthma* / therapy
Dyspnea / therapy
Exercise / physiology
Fatigue
High-Intensity Interval Training*
Humans
Inflammation
Oxygen
Quality of Life

Substances

Oxygen