Volume 12, Issue 4 , January and February 2006, , Pages 14-19
Abstract
Background and purpose: Many researches have indicated that physical exercise can improve the pulmonary function and play a paramount role in enhancing the quality of life in asthmatic patients by reducing the symptoms of asthma and shortness of breath through mechanisms such as strengthened respiratory ...
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Background and purpose: Many researches have indicated that physical exercise can improve the pulmonary function and play a paramount role in enhancing the quality of life in asthmatic patients by reducing the symptoms of asthma and shortness of breath through mechanisms such as strengthened respiratory muscles, decreased hospitalization and decreased consumption of bronchodilators. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of physical exercises on the pulmonary function and quality of life in asthmatic patients.
Methods and Materials: In this single-group, pre test–posttest quasi-experimental study, 21 asthmatic adults referring to Alzahra Clinic in Isfahan, Iran were selected by purposive sampling. Standard Quality of life questionnaire and spirometry test were used for data collection. The physical exercise program was given for four weeks three times a week, each session lasting 45 minutes under direct supervision of the researcher in three phases: waming up, exercises and cooling down. Before and after the four-week period, the questionnaire was completed and spirometry was conducted. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used in SPSS for data analysis.
Results: A significant increase was observed in the mean score of quality of life in respiratory condition (P=0.0001), mood function (p=0.0001), physical performance (p=0.0001), social performance (p=0.0001) and general perception of health in asthmatic patients (p=0.0001) after the physical exercise program was completed. Also, PEF mean was increased after treatment (p