Physical Activity and Life Quality in Patients with Asthma and Osteoarthritis

Background. Physical activity is associated with better asthma control and life quality in asthma. Osteoarthritis is one of the less studied comorbidities in asthmatic patients. Methods. The study included 38 patients diagnosed with asthma, 65 patients with asthma and osteoarthritis, and 40 volunteers who did not suffer from asthma and osteoarthritis. During the study, 3 groups were formed: Group 1 consisted of patients with asthma; Group 2 included patients with both asthma and osteoarthritis, Control group consisted of volunteers. Spirometry, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), Asthma Control Test (ACT) were used in asthmatic patients. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in its short from was filled by all the participants. Results. Both Group 1 and Group 2 did not engage in vigorous physical activity. Median of MET-min/week total (1825) was significantly less in Group 2 compared with Control and Group 1 (p=0.0000 and p=0.0169, respectively). MET-min/week total had positive correlations with ACT (r=0.50, p<0.05), AQLQ(S) total (r=0.58, p<0.05), AQLQ(S) activity domain (r=0.28, p<0.05), AQLQ(S) emotions domain (r=0.24, p<0.05), AQLQ (S) symptoms domain (r=0.34, p<0.05), FVC (r=0,28, p<0.05), FEV1 (r=0,37, p<0.05), Index Tiffno (r=0,18, p<0.05). Minutes/week sitting time had a negative correlation with ACT values (r=-0.33, p<0.05), AQLQ(S) total values (r=-0.39, p<0.05). Conclusion. Patients with asthma and osteoarthritis spend significantly less time on moderate activity, walking compared with asthmatics not suffering from osteoarthritis; they avoid vigorous activity. Higher physical activity is associated with better life quality, asthma control and lung function, thus paying attention to osteoarthritis in asthmatic patients is crucial.