The Effects of Endurance and Strength Training in Subjects With Asthma

To the best of current knowledge, there isn't enough evidence of the effect of a strength training in subjects with asthma. Aim of the study is evaluate the short (after pulmonary rehabilitation) and long term (after 12 months) effects of a strength and endurance training compared with endurance training alone in improving quality of life and disease control in subjects with asthma of Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) stage from 4 to 5.This is a prospective randomized control trial. Subjects with diagnosis of asthma according to the GINA guidelines admitted to a reference centre for inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation will be randomly assigned to study or control group.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of asthma step 4 to 5 under optimal medical treatment for at least 6 months according to GINA guideline
• Symptomatic despite being on treatment: Asthma Control Test (ACT) score ≥ 20 ≤24
• Able to perform and complete with studies procedures (FeNO, CPET, Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT), MVS.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) according to the Global initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines criteria
• Smokers or ex-smokers with pack/years ≥10
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30
• Change in asthma medications in the last 30 days
• Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score <22)
• History of oncological, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal impairment and/or medical diseases precluding exercise testing and pulmonary rehabilitation