University of São Paulo study links daily steps to asthma control

A study led by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) suggests that increasing daily steps may be as effective as structured aerobic training for managing moderate to severe asthma. Published in the journal ‘Pulmonology’, the research indicates that both increasing daily physical activity and engaging in structured aerobic sessions can improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and provide medium-term asthma control.

The research, conducted by physical therapist David Halen Araújo Pinheiro at the University of São Paulo Medical School, focused on physically inactive patients with uncontrolled asthma. The study found that reaching approximately 7,500 steps a day can lead to better clinical control. These findings offer doctors and patients flexible, non-pharmacological alternatives for managing the chronic respiratory condition.