Comparative Effectiveness Study of Constant-Load Versus Graded Aerobic Exercise in Obese Children With Bronchial Asthma

The CL-AE group received a 12-week aerobic training, three times in addition to the respiratory re-training. the program included a moderate-intensity aerobic training program, with an intensity set at 65% of the maximum age-predicted heart rate for 45 minutes. The training intensity and duration were maintained at the same level throughout the program. The CL-AE program included a warm-up for 5 minutes and a cool-down for 5 minutes

The G-AE group received a 12-week intensity- and duration-graded aerobic training, three times in addition to the respiratory re-training. The G-AE program commenced with a training intensity corresponding to 50% of the maximum age-predicted heart rate for 25 minutes in the first two weeks, which progressed on a two-week basis, and ended up with a training intensity corresponding to 75% of the maximum age-predicted heart rate for 50 minutes in the last two weeks. The G-AE program also included a warm-up for 5 minutes and a cool-down for 5 minutes.

The respiratory re-training lasted for 30 minutes per session and was repeated three times a week for 12 consecutive weeks. The program consisted of diaphragmatic breathing exercises, breath-hold, and breathing control exercises, pursed lip breathing, respiratory muscle strengthening, postural correction exercises, and relaxation techniques.