High-Intensity Interval Training in Adults With Asthma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide. Recently, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been explored as a therapeutic option in asthma. To analyze and update the effectiveness of HIIT in adults with asthma. This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search was conducted in 5 databases from their inception to November 2024. We included randomized clinical trials in adults with asthma who underwent a HIIT intervention, compared with a control group (CG)/other types of exercise. Certainty of evidence and risk of bias were assessed. Four studies were included in the review, and 3 were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed significant differences in favor of HIIT in asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, and aerobic capacity in the short-term compared with CG. HIIT showed significant differences at long-term follow-up in asthma control and asthma-related quality of life compared with CG. The meta-analysis did not show significant differences between groups regarding lung function or airway inflammation in the short-term or the long-term. HIIT improved asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, and aerobic capacity in adults with asthma compared with CG. These improvements were also found after a 1-year follow-up for asthma control and asthma-related quality of life.