Submaximal aerobic exercise for better asthma control and fitness
SAMBA Trial: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Severe Asthma Management: Deep Analysis of the Effect of suBmaximal Aerobic Training
This trial will test whether 12 weeks of regular submaximal aerobic exercise helps adults aged 18–65 with persistent asthma improve fitness (VO2max) and asthma symptoms compared with respiratory physiotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Liege Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Liège, Liege) |
| Trial ID | NCT04395937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a 12-week randomized controlled study at CHU Liège comparing supervised submaximal aerobic training to standard respiratory physiotherapy in adults with persistent asthma. The primary outcome is change in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and secondary outcomes include quality of life, asthma control, lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchial and systemic inflammatory markers, anxiety/depression, and body composition. Eligible participants are 18–65 years old with ACQ > 1.5 and on stable inhaled corticosteroid or anti-leukotriene therapy; key exclusions include BMI > 35, severe knee/hip osteoarthritis, unstable angina, and severe uncontrolled hypertension. The study tests whether regular aerobic exercise produces greater improvements in fitness, symptoms, lung function, and inflammation than simple physiotherapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 with persistent asthma, an ACQ score above 1.5, and stable background inhaled corticosteroid or anti-leukotriene treatment are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with BMI over 35, severe joint disease, unstable angina, or uncontrolled hypertension are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this exercise program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve exercise capacity, reduce asthma symptoms and inflammation, and enhance quality of life without adding new drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller and non-randomized studies have suggested benefits from regular aerobic exercise in asthma, but robust randomized evidence is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * asthmatic patient * aged 18- 65 years * ACQ \> 1.5 * stable background treatment comprising at least one inhaled corticosteroid or an anti-leukotriene Exclusion Criteria: * IMC \> 35 * severe osteoarthritis of the knees and hips * unstable angor * Severe uncontrolled hypertension
Where this trial is running
Liège, Liege
- Chu Liege — Liège, Liege, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephanie Ziant
- Email: sziant@chuliege.be
- Phone: +3243668568
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.