Execise Intervention in Adult Severe Asthma
Exercise Intervention in Severe Asthma: a Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults on Biological Treatment for Asthma
Helsinki University Central Hospital
60 participants
Mar 18, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Physical activity has been shown to improve asthma control in individuals with asthma. Patients with severe asthma frequently experience exacerbations, which often result in a physically inactive lifestyle. The investigators therefore hypothesize that patients with severe asthma who initiate biological therapy may particularly benefit from increased physical activity, both in terms of exercise capacity and asthma control. The aim of this study is to determine whether an individually tailored exercise program improves exercise capacity and asthma control in patients with severe asthma. Additionally, the study evaluates the effects of the intervention on asthma symptoms, frequency of exacerbations, lung function, quality of life, and body composition. The primary outcome is the change in exercise tolerance, measured as peak oxygen uptake during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Secondary outcomes include asthma symptoms (proportion of patients reporting improvement based on the Asthma Control Test), frequency of exacerbations, changes in lung function (FVC and FEV1), asthma-related quality of life (AQLQ), and changes in body composition (body mass index and waist circumference). At baseline, all participants undergo fitness assessments, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing and muscle strength tests. Participants are then randomized into two groups. The intervention group receives an individually tailored 6-month exercise program designed by a sports medicine physician and a physiotherapist based on baseline fitness level. The control group receives standard advice to increase physical activity. Asthma medication is managed according to standard clinical practice in both groups. Fitness assessments are repeated at 6 months for all participants, and asthma control is evaluated at 6 and 12 months
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria2
- Age over 18 years
- Physician-diagnosed severe asthma defined with the GINA criteria and with a decision to initiate biological treatment (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab or tezepelumab) for severe asthma
Exclusion Criteria4
- Upcoming major surgery
- Acute musculoskeletal disease which unables regular exercise
- Inability to commit to the appointments and the exercise plan due to exhaustion or fatigue
- Pregnancy
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Interventions
a 6 month personilized exercise plan with control and follow up including baseline fitness testing
Locations(1)
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NCT07655037