University of São Paulo study finds walking helps manage asthma

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have found that increasing daily step counts can be as effective as structured aerobic exercise for managing moderate to severe asthma. The study, published in the journal Pulmonology, involved 52 sedentary patients aged 18 to 65 with uncontrolled asthma.

Participants were divided into two groups over an eight-week period: one group performed supervised treadmill aerobic exercise twice a week, while the other received guidance on increasing daily steps tracked via smartwatches. Both interventions resulted in improved asthma control, reduced respiratory symptoms, and enhanced quality of life, along with decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression. These benefits were maintained during a four-month follow-up period.

Lead researcher David Halpern Araújo Pinheiro noted that while both approaches help achieve better clinical control, increasing daily steps is easier to implement as it does not require specialized equipment or supervision. He emphasized that physical activity is intended to complement, not replace, medical treatments.