Objective: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Exercise is an adjunct to drug-based treatment and is recommended as part of asthma therapy. However, factors associated with exercise among United States (US) adults with asthma has not been well-researched. This study investigated variables associated with frequent moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise in US adults with asthma.

Methods: This study used 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data. Participants were alive, aged ≥18 years, and diagnosed with asthma. Variables were classified into three groups using Anderson's Behavioral Model. Age, gender, and race were predisposing factors. Marital status, income, education, and employment status were enabling factors. Need variables were walking difficulty, smoking, co-morbid conditions, mental health, and physical health. Frequent moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise was defined as ≥30 minutes moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise ≥five days a week and was categorized as either yes or no. Nominal data were compared using chi-square tests. Hierarchical adjusted logistic regression models were used to establish the relationship between exercise and other variables, with an a priori alpha level=0.05. Analyses accounted for the complex survey design and were weighted appropriately.

Results: A total of 2,410 people were eligible, of which 46.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]=44.2-9.5) reported doing frequent moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. In fully adjusted analyses, the following were more likely to report frequent moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise: Men vs. women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.4, 95% CI=1.1-1.7), white race vs. others (AOR=1.2, 95% CI=1.0-1.5), no walking difficulties vs. having walking difficulties (AOR=1.6, 95% CI=1.2-2.2), non-smokers vs. current smokers (AOR=1.3, 95% CI=1.0-1.7), and excellent/very good/good vs. fair/poor physical health (AOR=2.2, 95% CI=1.7-3.0].

Conclusion: Approximately 47% of US adults reported doing frequent moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. Several variables were significantly associated with exercise. These findings improve our understanding of factors that may influence exercise status among US adults with asthma.