Physical activity program for Black women with asthma

ACTION (physicAl aCtiviTy In minOrity womeN With Asthma) Intervention: Efficacy to Implementation

Not applicable Interventional University of Chicago · NCT05726487

This study is testing a 24-week exercise program to see if it can help Black women with asthma feel better and manage their condition more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment224 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05726487 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to address the high rates of physical inactivity and poor asthma control among Black women by implementing a 24-week lifestyle physical activity intervention called ACTION. The intervention is designed specifically for urban Black women with asthma, taking into account the unique barriers they face, such as lack of social support and safety concerns. Participants will be recruited from two urban healthcare systems and will be randomly assigned to either the ACTION intervention or an education control group. The study seeks to improve asthma outcomes and quality of life through increased physical activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Black women aged 18 and older with physician-diagnosed persistent asthma that is not well-controlled.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to ambulate without assistance or have a diagnosis of COPD may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve asthma control and quality of life for Black women suffering from asthma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with physical activity interventions tailored to specific populations, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Self-identify as female and Black or African-American
* Age \>/= 18
* Physician-diagnosed persistent asthma that is sub-optimally controlled based on Asthma Control Test (ACT \< 20) OR history in the past year of an asthma exacerbation (a need for systemic corticosteroids or hospital admission or emergency treatment for worsening asthma)
* Willing to enroll and provide written-informed consent
* Willing to be randomly assigned to treatment or control group
* Low- active: engages in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-to- vigorous physical activity
* Has a smartphone and texts every day or almost everyday

Exclusion Criteria:

* Plans to relocate outside of the Chicagoland area during the study period
* Unable to ambulate without the use of a wheelchair or scooter
* Diagnosis of COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) suggested by patient report of doctor diagnosis or smoking history (≥ 20 pack years)
* Current tobacco smoker
* A contraindication to exercise as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire unless written permission by a health care provider
* Significant medical (e.g., unstable heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, active cancer treatment in past 1 year, end-stage organ failure) or psychiatric (e.g., active bipolar disorder, psychosis) comorbidities
* Participation in another physical activity or asthma research program
* Asthma exacerbation, defined by an urgent care visit for asthma in the last 4 weeks, or need for acute course of systemic corticosteroids for asthma in the last 4 weeks
* Family/household member of another study participant or staff member
* Inability to speak, read or understand English
* Investigator discretion for safety or protocol adherence reasons
* Unable or unwilling to provide complete accelerometry data at the baseline assessment after two opportunities to wear the monitor

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AsthmaBlack womenAsthma Control QuestionnairePhysical Activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.