Winter Exercise Reduces Allergic Airway Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Study

J. Prossegger, D. Huber, C. Grafetstätter, C. Pichler, H. Braunschmid, R. Weisböck-Erdheim, A. Hartl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise is often recommended as additional treatment for people suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, but less is known about the specific effects of recreational winter outdoor exercise on allergic airway inflammation. Methods: We performed a longitudinal, randomized controlled intervention study to investigate the effects of recreational winter exercise on allergic airway inflammation, quality of life, spirometry and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. The exercise group participated in a ten-day winter sports program. The control group did not receive any intervention. Results: A significant improvement of fractional oral exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO; p = 0.008, day 10) and a significant decrease in FeNO after a single 4 h hiking tour (p < 0.001, time effect) were observed for the exercise group. The nasal eosinophilic cell count revealed a short-term reduction (p = 0.021, treatment effect) in the exercise group and for the visual analogue scale sustainable improvements in allergic symptoms (p < 0.001, day 60) were found. No adverse effects of outdoor winter exercise were observed. Conclusion: Recreational winter exercise at moderately cold temperatures reduces allergic airway inflammation measured as FeNO, nasal eosinophilic cell count and induces sustainable improvements in allergic symptoms.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInt. J. Environ. Res. Public Health
Volume16
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Jun 2019

Keywords

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Allergy
  • Asthma
  • Exercise
  • Exhaled nitric oxide
  • nitric oxide
  • allergy
  • asthma
  • physical activity
  • respiratory disease
  • temperature effect
  • winter
  • adult
  • allergic airway inflammation
  • allergic rhinitis
  • Article
  • cardiorespiratory fitness
  • clinical article
  • cold
  • controlled study
  • eosinophil count
  • female
  • fractional exhaled nitric oxide
  • human
  • kinesiotherapy
  • longitudinal study
  • male
  • quality of life
  • randomized controlled trial
  • recreational therapy
  • spirometry
  • treatment duration
  • visual analog scale
  • winter sport
  • eosinophil
  • exercise
  • exhalation
  • immunology
  • leukocyte count
  • metabolism
  • middle aged
  • nasal lavage fluid
  • pathophysiology
  • respiratory tract allergy
  • season
  • young adult
  • Adult
  • Eosinophils
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Exhalation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Lavage Fluid
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Quality of Life
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity
  • Seasons
  • Spirometry
  • Visual Analog Scale
  • Young Adult

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