Physical activity levels in a severe asthma population

Introduction: In 2009, only 40% of men and 28% of women met NICE recommendations for physical activity (PA) in England. The health benefits of PA are significant and well recognised, but the consequences of physical inactivity have not been investigated in asthma. A systematic review hypothesized that breathlessness, asthma control and the fear of physical exertion triggering symptoms were the barriers to PA. Aims and objectives: To determine PA levels in a Severe Asthma (SA) population and to identify the reported barriers to exercise. Method: Patients assessed by a SA Service completed The General Practise Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ); a NICE recommended 4-level PA index tool, and a six-minute walk test (6MWT). Reported barriers to exercise were grouped into categories for analysis. Results: 25 patients (F:M = 18:7) with a median age of 50 (IQR 44-58), median FEV 1 85 % predicted (IQR 69-98), median BMI 27.7kg/m 2 (IQR 23.9-30.3) and a recorded median 6MWT of 444.9m (IQR 400.8-501). Only 11% (n=3) met NICE recommended levels of PA. The most frequently reported barrier to PA was asthma symptoms (64%). Conclusions: PA levels in a SA cohort are markedly reduced. In contrast to the general population, leisure time and work commitments were not the main reported barrier, but rather asthma symptoms. This highlights the need for specialist multidisciplinary intervention in SA. The effect of a PA intervention in this population needs to be further investigated.