Manual therapies

Current evidence does not support the use of manual therapies (chiropractic, osteopathy and related modalities) for patients with asthma. (I) Current evidence does not support the use of acupuncture as a treatment for asthma. (I) Physical training improves cardiopulmonary fitness but does not improve lung function or symptoms. (I)

Current evidence does not support the use of manual therapies for patients with asthma.³⁴

• Chiropractic manipulation is not effective in improving asthma symptoms, lung function, or reducing medication requirement in adults and in children with persistent asthma^35-37
• Controlled studies of osteopathy and cranial therapy in patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis have shown inconsistent results for effects on lung function and no convincing evidence of effectiveness in reducing medication requirements or symptoms.^{38, 39}
• Massage therapy has been reported to reduce reliever medication requirement in children.⁴⁰

Acupuncture

Current evidence does not support the use of acupuncture as a treatment for asthma.^41,42

Exercise therapies

Various programs of physical training have been assessed in adults and children.

• Physical training improves cardiopulmonary fitness but does not improve lung function or symptoms.⁴³
• Swimming has not been shown to improve lung function or reduce medication requirement in limited available clinical trial evidence.⁴⁴

Tai chi and qigong

The effects of tai chi and qigong on asthma have not been investigated in randomised controlled trials.

Content Created (Thursday, 16 November 2006)