Physical activity and asthma: A longitudinal Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study

Background: Few studies have investigated the effect of physical activity on asthma longitudinally. Objective: To investigate the effect of physical activity on asthma over 10 years in middle-aged adults. Methods: We analysed data from the Bergen (Norway) centre (n=1782) of the RHINE cohort. In RHINE II (1999-2001) frequency of light and vigorous activity was collected. In RHINE III (2010) incident asthma, current asthma (asthma medication/attack), asthma symptoms (0-8 count) and wheeze was collected. Results: Increasing frequency of RHINE II light physical activity was associated with less current asthma and wheeze, but not asthma incidence or symptoms, 10 years later (Table 1). With BMI adjustment effects were attenuated and not significant. Vigorous activity was not associated with any asthma outcomes. Conclusion Increasing frequency of light activity was associated with some asthma outcomes 10 years later, while increased intensity did not improve outcomes.