Secondary outcomes

Symptom control was assessed via the Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) [28]. Past-year moderate and severe exacerbations as described by ERS/ATS guidelines [17] were self-reported. Peripheral blood was collected and analysed for full blood count. Blood serum was analysed for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Pathology North, Australia). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured (NIOX VERO). Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry (Medigraphics) was completed (Global Lung Initiative predicted values [29]). Body weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index. Percentage body fat and percentage lean muscle mass were analysed by bioimpedance scales (InBody 720). Physical activity intensity and duration, steps per day, and sedentary time were assessed using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL). Participants wore the accelerometer on their waist 24 h/day for 8 consecutive days, and data were processed as previously described [3]. Participants completed the 6-min walk test [30] Participants completed self-report measures:

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [31];

International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form [32];

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [33];

Dyspnoea-12 [34];

EQ-5D [35] to assess health status;

Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised [36]; and

Friendship Scale [37] to assess social isolation.

Charlson Comorbidity Index [38] was calculated from self-reported medical history.