Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by wheezing; shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing that varies in severity and duration over time. The aim is to assess the effects of physical activity in adult asthma patients in Riyadh in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study contains an online questionnaire which composed of a message addressing the respondent and the purpose of the survey; the respondent's health status and the outcomes before and after exercising. Data collected in January-February 2022. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) helped analyze data and present the results. Suitable statistical tests of significance were used, considering a significant p-value of < 0.05. Results: A total of 143 participants, 81% were female, the mean age was 23.8, 92% were non-smokers, and 68% used inhalers for relief. Before exercising: 60% were asymptomatic, affected sleep in 79%, 50% took medications and 53% had daily activity limitations. After exercising: 66% were asymptomatic, 73% had sleep problems and 45% took medications with no daily limitations in 51%. 13% of participants had pre-exercise asthma control, and 11% remained controlled post-exercise. 45% suffered from partially controlled asthma, and 30% became partially controlled. 43% had uncontrolled asthma and 42% were still uncontrolled. There is a statistically significant link between inactivity and asthma control p = 0.001. Conclusion: This data proves that exercise is a positive factor for asthmatic patients to decrease the frequency of medication usage and the incidence of sleep disturbances.