Effects of exercise with lower and upper extremities on respiratory and exercise capacities of asthmatic patients

Regular physical conditionings are related to decrease dyspnea، respiratory symptoms and exercise capacity especially in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. Accordingly، this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of exercise by upper and lower extremities and their combinationon improving pulmonary function and exercise capacity in asthmatic patients as well. 36 men (18-26 years old) referring to sports physiological laboratory in Shahid Chamran University (Ahwaz، Iraan) were randomly divided into three groups with 12 subjects. Life quality questionary، Pulmonary and ventilatory function (by spirometery and gas analyzer) and exercise capacity (by Bicycleergometer) before and after eight weeks training program measured. After eight week performed training program، forced vital capacity (FVC)، forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) indices increased significantly after performing upper and combining training program. Furthermore، after eight week performed training program tidal volume (VT)، oxygen uptake (VO2) and partial end-tidal O2 (PETO2) demonstrated significant increases in three groups (all، P<0. 05) compared with pre-training. Important ratio of VE/MVV، that represents shortness of breath induced exercise، indicated significant decrease after eight weeks training program. Significant improvement in quality of life (QOL questionnaire based on St George) was observed in three groups as well. It seems that physical activity with upper and lower exterimities and their combination improves pulmonary and ventilatory functions and exercise capacity and life qualify in mild asthmatic patients. Hence، the using of three types of exercise programs by upper abd lower extremities and their combination (preferably upper limb program and combination of upper and lower extremity program due to a significant change in FEV1) is recommended as a complementary treatment method along with medication to improve respiratory problems in patients with mild asthma