• Ludmila Tais Yazbek Gomieiro, Andréia Nascimento, Luciana Kase Tanno, Rosana Agondi, Jorge Kalil, and Pedro Giavina-Bianchi.
• Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
• Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2011 Jan 1; 66 (7): 116311691163-9.

IntroductionAsthma in older adults is frequently underdiagnosed, as reflected by approximately 60% of asthma deaths occurring in people older than age 65.ObjectiveThe present study evaluates the effects of a respiratory exercise program tailored for elderly individuals with asthma. We are not aware of any other reports examining breathing exercises in this population.MethodsFourteen patients concluded the 16-week respiratory exercise program. All the patients were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, quality of life and clinical presentation.ResultsAfter 16 weeks of this open-trial intervention, significant increases in maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure (27.6% and 20.54%, respectively) were demonstrated. Considerable improvement in quality of life was also observed. The clinical evaluations and daily recorded-symptoms diary also indicated significant improvements and fewer respiratory symptoms. A month after the exercises were discontinued, however, detraining was observed.DiscussionIn conclusion, a respiratory exercise program increased muscle strength and was associated with a positive effect on patient health and quality of life. Therefore, a respiratory training program could be included in the therapeutic approach in older adults with asthma.

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