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Children with asthma and physical exercise: effects of an exercise programme
N H van Veldhoven1, A Vermeer, J M Bogaard
1Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. N.vanveldhoven@fss.uu.nl
Clinical Rehabilitation
|August 24, 2001
Summary
This study found that a three-month physical exercise program significantly improved physical fitness and asthma coping behaviors in children with asthma. The program enhanced maximal workload, oxygen uptake, and endurance, while also improving children's ability to manage their condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Exercise science
- Behavioral health
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting children worldwide.
- Physical activity is often limited in children with asthma due to concerns about exacerbations.
- There is a need for evidence-based interventions to improve the physical and psychological well-being of children with asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a structured physical exercise program on children with asthma.
- To assess improvements in physical fitness and asthma management skills.
- To investigate the effects on self-perception and coping behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A randomized pretest-post-test control group design was employed.
- Forty-seven children (8-13 years) with diagnosed asthma participated.
- The intervention involved a three-month program of group and home-based exercises.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in maximal workload (Wmax) and VO2max (oxygen uptake).
- Endurance capacity increased by 50%, and submaximal heart rate decreased.
- Children demonstrated significantly improved coping behaviors related to asthma management.
Conclusions:
- Participation in the physical exercise program enhanced physical fitness in children with asthma.
- The program also led to significant improvements in coping behaviors for managing asthma.
- This suggests that exercise interventions can be beneficial for both physical and psychosocial aspects of childhood asthma.