Background Physical activity has been shown to have various health benefits in patients with asthma, especially in children. However, there are still limited data on the nature of the association between physical activity and asthma control in adults.

Objective The objective of the current study was to determine the nature of the association between physical activity and asthma control, with particular emphasis on the intensity of the activity and seasonal variations.

Methods 643 adult patients with objectively confirmed asthma (mean age (SD)=53 (15) years, 60% women) were interviewed by telephone. Patients completed the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), the asthma quality of life questionnaire, and a 1-year physical activity recall questionnaire to assess leisure time physical activity (LTPA).

Results Total LTPA was related to control (β (95% CI)=−0.013 (−0.030 to 0.006)), with those doing recommended levels of LTPA being nearly 2.5 times more likely to have good control compared with inactive patients. Analysis of seasonal exercise habits found that winter LTPA (β=−0.027 (−0.048 to −0.006)) was more strongly associated with ACQ scores than summer LTPA (β=−0.019 (−0.037 to −0.001)). Adjustment for age, sex, season of assessment, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose, body mass index, and current smoking status reduced the strength of the relationships.

Conclusions Data indicate that higher levels of LTPA are associated with better levels of asthma control in adult patients with asthma, and that this seems to be more pronounced among asthmatics who do the recommended levels of exercise.

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