Principles of exercise prescription for asymtomatic asthmatic - patients with other ailments on referral

ABSTRACT

The asthmatic patient may be required to participate in an exercise programme as part of the rehabilitation for some other ailments. The bronchial response of asthmatics to exercise puts them at a physiological disadvantage for exercise therapy. The bronchoconstrictor response of asthmatics to exercise can be made less severe by manipulating the type; duration; intensity and frequency of exercise. The time of the routine bronchodilator drug administration can also be manipulated such that the bronchodilator effect of the drug can effectively accommodate the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise. The asthmatic patient needs to be given special consideration while drawing up a plan of exercise for his rehabilitation either as part of the physical treatment of asthma or when he presents with other ailments on referral. This will enable him to exercise safely and effectively