[Comparing the young asthmatics running fitness]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Sports Medicine
• Respiratory Health

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for asthmatic children's quality of life, enhancing physical fitness and psychological well-being.
• Doctors widely recommend exercise for asthmatic children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physical fitness of asthmatic children participating in therapeutic swimming with non-swimming asthmatics and healthy children.
• To assess the impact of a long-term swimming program on the physical fitness of asthmatic children.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 258 children aged 8-22 years.
• Participants were divided into three groups: swimmer asthmatics (n=51), non-swimmer asthmatics (n=28), and healthy children (n=179).
• Physical fitness was measured using the 12-minute Cooper running test, with asthmatic swimmers following the Gyene swimming method.

Main Results:

• Swimmer asthmatics demonstrated significantly higher physical fitness compared to non-swimmer asthmatics (p=0.01) and healthy children (p<0.0001).
• The most pronounced fitness improvements were observed in asthmatic children aged 8-11 years, potentially due to increased motivation.
• While no gender differences in fitness were found between asthmatic groups, healthy boys exhibited higher fitness levels than healthy girls.

Conclusions:

• Regular therapeutic swimming substantially increases physical fitness in asthmatic children.
• Swimming offers significant benefits for asthmatic children's fitness, surpassing even that of healthy peers.
• A structured swimming program effectively contributes to developing running fitness in children with asthma.