SAMBA Trial: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Severe Asthma Management: Deep Analysis of the Effect of suBmaximal Aerobic Training

While it is well known that intense physical exercise can generate bronchospasm and limit exercise performance, it recently appeared that regular physical exercise practiced aerobically could improve the clinical status of asthmatic patients. The investigators are planning a 12-week randomized controlled study to assess the effect of regular aerobic exercise on exercise tolerance (VO2max), quality of life, asthma control, lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, anxiety and depression, and bronchial and systemic inflammation in patients with persistent asthma. The hypothesis is that regular physical exercise increases exercise tolerance, symptoms control, lung function and quality of life and reduces inflammation, anxiety and depression and bronchial hyperresponsiveness compared to simple physiotherapy sessions.