Exercise as an immunomodulatory mechanism in asthma-a pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of exercise in asthma-a pilot study
IRAS ID
164524
Contact name
Anna Freeman
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Exercise has positive effects on the immune system in healthy humans. Exercise is recommended to asthmatics to aid symptoms. There have been a number of studies using a mouse model of asthma that demonstrate anti-inflammatory effect of low to moderate intensity exercise. A reduction in airway inflammation following a structured exercise programme has been shown in obese asthma patients, along with reduction in blood levels of inflammatory markers but the mechanism behind these changes remains unclear.
Five patients were recruited into a feasibility study undertaken in Australia to investigate the safety of an intensive exercise programme for asthmatics and the effect of exercise on the immune system in asthmatic participants. They were assessed with lung function testing, blood sampling and questionnaires before and after a period of exercise.
This study plans to recruit 20 participants, over 3 years, into a 3-month exercise programme, investigating whether specific exercise programs have differing effects on the immune system. The aim is to understand the mechanism of improvements in symptoms of asthma and markers of inflammation, in order to tailor personal exercise plans to patients for greater clinical effect. Modification of inflammation through exercise has potential alter disease progression and could reduce lifetime medication use. This study offers new opportunity to identify potential drug targets which lead to improvements in airway inflammation, linking for the first time the benefits of exercise to the development of new pharmacological therapies
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0256
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion