Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a syndrome characterized by reduced bronchial lumen and happens more often in obese subjects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible effect of an exercise training program on EIB in obese women. METHODS: 32 women were divided in three groups: group A (obesity + exercise training), group B (obesity) and group C (control). A six-minute walking test was applied before and after 12 weeks. EIB was measured through a monitor of peak of expiratory flow used after the application of the walking test. During the12 weeks, an exercise training program was delivered to group A, three times a week, 60 minutes a day. Each exercise session consisted of 10 minutes of stretching exercises, followed by 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (50% of reserve heart rate as intensity), 15' of low-intensity strength training and 5' of stretching and relaxing exercises. RESULTS: Exercise training significantly increased minimum peak of expiratory flow after the walking test (before: 379±16 l/min; after: 405±12 l/min; p<0.05) and reduced in 50% (33% to 17%) the proportion of women who presented EIB (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The 12-week exercise training increased the respiratory function of obese women.
obesity; physical activity; EIB
