Effects of exercise with lower and upper extremities on respiratory and exercise capacities of asthmatic patients

 Introduction: Regular physical conditionings are related to decrease dyspnea, respiratory symptoms and exercise capacity especially in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease.Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of exercise by upper and lower extremities and their combinationon improving pulmonary function and exercise capacity in asthmatic patients as well. Materials and Methods: 36 men (18-26 years old) referring to sports physiological laboratory in Shahid Chamran University (Ahwaz, Iraan) were randomly divided into three groups with 12 subjects. Life quality questionary, Pulmonary and ventilatory function (by spirometery and gas analyzer) and exercise capacity (by Bicycleergometer) before and after eight weeks training program measured. Results: After eight week performed training program, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) indices increased significantly after performing upper and combining training program. Furthermore, after eight week performed training program tidal volume (VT), oxygen uptake (VO2) and partial end-tidal O2 (PETO2) demonstrated significant increases in three groups (all, P