Running may help improve quality of life and limit symptoms in asthma sufferers, a new study has found. Aerobic exercise is often recommended for asthmatics, however some avoid it due to concern it will trigger an attack.

The research, carried out at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, saw two groups of people with moderate to severe asthma take on a 30-minute yoga breathing exercise twice a week for 12 weeks, either alone or with a 35-minute indoor treadmill session.

In tests afterwards, the treadmill group were able to tolerate double the amount of triggering substances before having symptoms, in comparison to the breathing-only group who experienced no change at all. Additionally, the treadmill group showed an increased in maximum oxygen intake, as well as a more positive response to the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The researchers said “These results suggest that adding exercise as an adjunct therapy to pharmacological treatment could improve the main features of asthma,” meaning running could be a great step towards a more comfortable life for asthmatics.

For more advice, take a look at Asthma UK's guide to exercise and activities.

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