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Physical training does not increase allergic inflammation in asthmatic children
A Moreira1, L Delgado, T Haahtela
1Serviço e Laboratório de Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4202 Porto, Portugal. andremoreira@med.up.pt
The European Respiratory Journal
|August 8, 2008
Summary
Physical training in children with asthma did not worsen symptoms but led to decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. This suggests exercise is safe and potentially beneficial for managing asthma in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Asthma management in children often involves careful consideration of physical activity.
- The impact of structured exercise programs on airway inflammation and clinical outcomes in pediatric asthma requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of a 3-month physical training program on airway inflammation and clinical outcomes in school-aged children with persistent allergic asthma.
- To determine if exercise training impacts markers of inflammation, lung function, bronchial responsiveness, and quality of life in pediatric asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 34 children with persistent allergic asthma (mean age 12.7 years).
- Participants were assigned to either a 12-week exercise group (twice-weekly 50-min sessions) or a control group.
- Assessments included exhaled nitric oxide, blood markers (eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein, C-reactive protein, total and specific IgE), lung function tests, methacholine challenge, quality of life questionnaires, and accelerometry.
Main Results:
- The exercise group significantly increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to controls.
- No significant differences were observed in most asthma outcome measures between the groups.
- A notable decrease in total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mite-specific IgE was observed in the exercise group compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- A 3-month physical training program did not exacerbate airway inflammation or negatively impact asthma control in children with persistent asthma.
- Exercise training may lead to a reduction in total and allergen-specific IgE levels.
- There is no contraindication for encouraging physical activity in school-aged children with well-controlled asthma.
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