Submaximal aerobic exercise for better asthma control and fitness
Official title: SAMBA Trial: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Severe Asthma Management: Deep Analysis of the Effect of suBmaximal Aerobic Training
Run by University of Liege · NCT04395937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Liege Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Liège, Liege) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04395937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Smaller and non-randomized studies have suggested benefits from regular aerobic exercise in asthma, but robust randomized evidence is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Chu Liege
Liège, Liege, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephanie Ziant
- Email: sziant@chuliege.be
- Phone: +3243668568
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.