Effects of a behaviour change intervention aimed to increase physical activity on sleep quality of adults with asthma: an RCT

Adults with asthma are more likely to be physically inactive and to develop sleep disorders, which may worsen asthma symptoms. However, it is unknown whether an increase in physical activity levels (PAL) improves sleep quality. Aim: To investigate the effects of a behaviour change intervention aimed to increase PAL on sleep quality. Methods: adults with moderate-to-severe asthma were randomly assigned to either a control (CG) or an intervention group (IG). Both groups received usual care and educational programme. Patients in the IG also underwent an 8-week behaviour change intervention. The face-to-face intervention was delivered once weekly and focused on goal-setting and feedback. Before and after the intervention, subjects were assessed on sleep quality (Actisleep, Pittsburgh and Berlin questionnaire), PAL (GT9X accelerometer), asthma symptoms (daily diary) and psychosocial symptoms (HADS). Results: 49 subjects were included (CG=25; IG=24). At baseline, there was no difference between groups. On the completion of the intervention, was observed an improvement in sleep efficiency (6.8±5.9 vs -2.4± 6.2%) and latency (-3.9±9.1 vs -1.0±8.3min) in the IG compared with CG. The proportion of patients with improvements in the Pittsburg index (50±51% vs 10±31%) and in the depression symptoms (43 vs 0%) was greater in the IG compared with GC (P Conclusion: Our results suggest that the behavioural intervention increased PAL and improved sleep quality in adults with asthma.