Prospective study of physical activity and risk of asthma exacerbations in older women.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The potential role of physical activity in preventing asthma exacerbations is unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the longitudinal association between regular physical activity and asthma exacerbations.

Methods

A total of 2,818 women with asthma from a large U.S. cohort (the Nurses' Health Study) were monitored from 1998 to 2000. Physical activity was self-reported at baseline, using a validated questionnaire, and categorized in quintiles. Exacerbations during follow-up were defined as a self-report of asthma-related hospitalization, emergency department visit, or urgent office visit. Baseline information about severity of asthma, treatment, previous exacerbations, sociodemographic factors, smoking, and other potential confounders was obtained.

Measurement

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Aymerich J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2689914 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature