Physical training is a well established method in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In adult asthmatics its efficacy has been shown by intensive training programmes lasting for 2-12 weeks. No data exist on the effect of long-term physical training once a week. 31 patients (f = 24, m = 7; mean age 55 +/- 2 years; mean FEV1.0 82 +/- 4% pred.) participated in a physical training programme for at least 2 years. (8 patients had mild, 12 moderate and 11 severe asthma according to the International Consensus Report of 1993 [13]). Training time was 1 hour per week. The physical training programme consisted of breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, circuits and endurance training. According to the health insurance records 9 patients had been hospitalised for their disease two years prior to the study for a total number of 218 in-hospital days. During the 2 years of the study 2 patients had been hospitalised for a total number of 29 days (p < 0.001). A comparison group of 10 patients who did not participate in the rehabilitation programme had been hospitalised for their disease two years prior to and during the study period for a total number of 236 and 201 in-hospital days (p > 0.2). In a subgroup of 9 patients bicycle exercise testing was performed once a month and work load at a submaximal heart-rate (200-age) was recorded. During the two years mean work rate improved from 48 watts to 83 watts for 15 minutes (p < 0.01). We conclude from our findings that long-term physical training of adult patients with asthma in an outpatient setting once a week is effective in reducing hospitalisation days as well as in increasing cardiorespiratory fitness.