In a study of adults with asthma, active individuals had slightly less lung function decline than inactive individuals.
The study included 1329 adults in Norway who were followed for an average of 11.6 years. On average, active asthmatic adults had 1.5 to 2.1 percent less decline in the FEV1/FVC ratio (forced expiratory volume 1/forced vital capacity) and 44 to 88 mL less decline in peak expiratory flow during follow-up.
If confirmed in other studies, the findings would contribute to the understanding of modifiable lifestyle factors, other than smoking cessation, for protecting the lungs of people with asthma.