The Effectiveness of Exercise Training on Asthma and Pulmonary Function

Paper ID : 1543-SPORTCONGRESS

Authors

فاطمه سادات حسینی * ندارم

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic and heterogeneous airway disease characterized by inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). It presents with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Inadequate control of this condition can lead to decreased physical performance, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Since exercise training affects not only physiological but also immune and psychological mechanisms, this narrative review aimed to investigate the role of various exercise modalities in improving asthma control, pulmonary function, and the underlying physiological mechanisms involved. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review. A systematic search of articles examining the effects of exercise training on asthma control, pulmonary function, and inflammatory markers was performed in PubMed, SID, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from 2010 to 2024. The keywords included asthma, exercise training, aerobic exercise, resistance training, HIIT, and breathing exercises. Results: Evidence indicates that regular aerobic exercise reduces inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and sputum eosinophils, thereby improving FEV₁ and vital capacity. It also enhances VO₂max, anaerobic threshold, and submaximal ventilation while lowering blood lactate levels. Resistance training strengthens peripheral and respiratory muscles, decreases fatigue, and enhances functional capacity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) produces greater improvements in aerobic capacity and dyspnea reduction compared with continuous training. Breathing exercises such as yoga and diaphragmatic breathing increase parasympathetic tone, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality and clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Structured exercise programs—including aerobic, resistance, interval, and breathing training—through anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced respiratory muscle performance, and improved psychological well-being, can serve as an effective non-pharmacological approach in asthma management and quality-of-life enhancement.

Keywords

Keywords: Asthma, Aerobic exercise, Resistance training, High-intensity interval training, Breathing exercises, Pulmonary function

Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation)