Can physical exercise improve allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
- Journal
- BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation (Q1)
- Published
- 30 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Chi Ngai Lo, Bernard Pui Lam Leung, Felix Haobo Wang, Aiden Yin Hoi Wong, Shirley Pui Ching Ngai
- PMID
- 42934807
- DOI
- 10.1186/s13102-026-01925-0
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Immunology and Allergy (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Randomized-trial review evaluates allergic rhinitis symptom outcomes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured physical exercise in reducing symptoms and improving clinical outcomes in adults with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with clinically diagnosed allergic rhinitis or objective evidence of allergic sensitization. The quality of the included articles was appraised by the Risk of Bias 2 Tool. Searches were conducted from database inception to 4 March 2026. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261283259). RESULTS: A total of 3,811 records were identified, with seven RCTs involving 395 participants included in the review. Exercise interventions were generally associated with improvements in allergic rhinitis symptoms, nasal function, and inflammatory biomarkers. Pooled data from two studies demonstrated a significant improvement in peak nasal inspiratory flow favouring exercise interventions over control (SMD 0.99, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.56; p < 0.01; I² = 0%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review summarized the available RCTs showing that exercise may improve allergic rhinitis symptoms and clinical indicators. However, the current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity across studies, and the findings should be interpreted with caution.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.