Distance running improves fitness in asthmatic children without pulmonary complications or changes in exercise-induced bronchospasm.

The effect of a distance running program was studied in 15 children with severe chronic asthma. Following a 6-week control period, the subjects ran four days a week for 6 weeks. The distance was increased gradually to 3.2 km. Clinical status and need for treatment did not change. Episodes of exercise-induced bronchospasm were readily reversed. Fitness improved as measured by the distance run in 12 minutes (P less than .005). Resting pulmonary function did not change. Exercise-induced bronchospasm following a bicycle ergometer stress test under comparable conditions did not change. Ventilatory muscle strength, measured as the maximal inspiratory pressure, and endurance, measured as the sustainable inspiratory pressure, were at a high level initially and did not change. It is concluded that distance running is safe and can increase the fitness of asthmatic children who are receiving adequate therapy.