Asthma Integrative Review: Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Asthma Exacerbation

Author

Abigail Williams, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Dazya Crayton, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Nicole Stasiak, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Sabrina Stich, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow

Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Masters in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Susan Dyess

Second Advisor

Rebecca Shabo

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness defined by airway inflammation and episodes of exacerbation. Pharmacological intervention remains the treatment of choice; however, there is growing evidence to support moderate intensity aerobic exercise as adjunct therapy to promote asthma control. The integrative review evaluates current evidence supporting the PICO question: In adults with mild to moderate asthma, what is the effect of prescribed aerobic exercise on reducing exacerbations? A systematic search of CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing, MEDLINE, and PubMed identified eligible studies. The inclusion criteria required peer-reviewed quantitative articles written in English and published within the past five years. In addition, adults older than 18 years, mild to moderate asthma, and the effects of aerobic exercise on asthma exacerbations were included in the search. Pediatric studies and articles unrelated to exercise were excluded. An evaluation table was used to collect data which was used to organize, code, and categorize themes common across the selected articles. The four themes include: quality of life and asthma control, moderate to high intensity exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation, and weight reduction coinciding with exercise. The findings suggest that moderate intensity aerobic exercise programs decreased the frequency and severity of exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs integrating aerobic exercise supported symptom management, quality of life, and weight reduction. Collectively, the research supports prescribed aerobic exercise and rehabilitation-based training may provide a valuable treatment for adults with mild to moderate asthma. Standardized exercise protocols and long-term studies are essential to determine optimal training practices and strengthen clinical guidance.