Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
07:10

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 24, 2019

Reduced physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness in children with chronic diseases

Albane B R Maggio1, Michaël F Hofer, Xavier E Martin

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. albane.maggio@hcuge.ch

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis show lower physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness than healthy peers. Encouraging physical activity is crucial for their long-term health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Children with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), obesity (OB), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may experience altered physical activity and fitness levels.
  • Understanding these differences is vital for developing targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness in children with T1DM, OB, and JIA against healthy controls (HC).
  • To identify associations between physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and demographic factors in these pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 209 children (45 OB, 48 T1DM, 31 JIA, 85 HC).
  • Physical activity assessed using accelerometers.
  • Cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated via treadmill tests.
  • Statistical analyses included ANOVA, linear regressions, and Pearson correlations.

Main Results:

  • Children with T1DM, JIA, and OB exhibited significantly lower total daily physical activity counts compared to HC.
  • Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness was observed in children with JIA and OB versus HC.
  • A lower percentage of children with chronic diseases met the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
  • Low cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with female gender and reduced daily physical activity.

Conclusions:

  • Children diagnosed with T1DM, OB, or JIA demonstrate diminished physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.
  • Promoting physical activity in these children is essential to mitigate declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and prevent the onset of comorbidities.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training06:51

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.01:25

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Factors Affecting Respiration01:24

Factors Affecting Respiration

Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Exercise and Cardiac Output01:17

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...