Physical Fitness And Quality Of Life In Adolescents With Asthma And Fixed Airflow Obstruction

Asthma is a disease characterized by reversible bronchoconstriction, but some subjects develop fixed airflow obstruction (FAO). Subjects with FAO present more asthma symptoms and may have increased sedentary behavior; however, the effect of FAO on aerobic fitness and physical activity levels (PAL) remains poorly understood.Aim To compare adolescents with asthma and FAO and adolescents with asthma without FAO in terms of aerobic fitness, PAL, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods This cross-sectional study included adolescents with asthma, both sexes, and aged 12-18 years. They were divided into two groups: FAO and non-FAO groups. The adolescents were diagnosed with asthma according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines and underwent optimal pharmacological treatment for at least 12 months. FAO was diagnosed when the forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity ratio was below the lower limit of the normal range after optimal treatment. Aerobic fitness, PAL, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, and HRQoL were evaluated.Results No significant differences were observed between FAO and non-FAO groups regarding the peak oxygen uptake (34.6 +/- 8.5 vs. 36.0 +/- 8.4 mLO(2)/min/kg), sedentary time (578 +/- 126 vs. 563 +/- 90 min/day), upper limb muscle strength (29.1 +/- 5.9 vs. 28.1 +/- 5.7 kilograms of force [kgf]), lower limb muscle strength (42.8 +/- 8.6 vs. 47.6 +/- 9.6 kgf), or HRQoL (5.1 +/- 1.3 vs. 4.7 +/- 1.4 score; p > .05). However, the FAO group exhibited a higher maximal expiratory pressure than the non-FAO group (111.5 +/- 15.5 vs. 101.5 +/- 15.0 cmH(2)O, respectively).Conclusion Our results suggest that FAO does not impair aerobic fitness, PAL, peripheral muscle strength, or HRQoL in adolescents with asthma. Furthermore, adolescents with asthma were physically deconditioned.