AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF AEROBIC TRAINING ON FEV/FVC RATIO OF ASTHMATIC ADULTS IN SANGA AND JEMA'A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined ameliorative effect of aerobic training on forced expiratory volume/ forced vital capacity ratio of asthmatic adults in Sanga and Jemaa local government areas of Kaduna state, Nigeria. One group repeated trials research design, in which the subjects were given different treatments at different times. In the design, participants underwent aerobic training of 40 – 50 % maximal heart rate (RPE) for a minimum of 20 minutes during the training session conducted in three (3) alternate days per week for twelve (12th) weeks. A total of 30 asthmatic adults attending the Gwantu General Hospital, General Hospital Kafanchan, and College Clinic at the respiratory units volunteered to participate in this study. Out of the 30, 26 met the inclusion criteria and were assigned to the aerobic training; since there were no control group and the baseline values served as the control. The aerobic group engaged in treadmill walk at intensities ranging between 40% - 50% of estimated HR max. The training given was at a moderate intensity of 40 -50% maximal heart beat (MHR) (1 -4 weeks) which was increased progressively from 51 – 60 % HRMax (5 – 8 weeks) and 61 – 70% HR max (9 -12 weeks). The data collected were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine means, standard deviation and standard error, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA II) was used to determine significant difference and a post-hoc Schefe’s test to determine where significant difference occurred, using a level of significance of 0.05. The result of the study revealed that aerobic training programs caused an increase p < 0.05 in FEV/FVC ratio. It was concluded that asthmatic adults should participate in aerobic training regularly in order to control their asthma episodes (attacks). Health professionals and fitness centers should use this method of training for asthmatic patients and should be encouraged to exercise themselves at least 20 – 40 minutes in a week to improve their pulmonary functions.