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Analysis of autonomic modulation during maximal and submaximal work rate and functional capacity in asthmatic

Evelim L F Dantas Gomes1, Luciana Maria Malosá Sampaio, Ivan Peres Costa

  • 1Science Rehabilitation Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo SP, Brazil. evelimfreitas@hotmail.com

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Asthmatic children show altered autonomic control and reduced functional capacity during exercise. Their parasympathetic response to maximal exertion is preserved, but airway inflammation impacts lung function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Function

Background:

  • Asthma in children is associated with impaired functional capacity and autonomic control.
  • This imbalance may contribute to exercise-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess autonomic modulation and functional capacity in asthmatic children post-maximal and submaximal exercise.
  • To investigate the relationship between airway inflammation and physiological responses.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study with 24 children (18 asthma, 6 control).
  • Evaluated heart rate variability (HRV), functional capacity (shuttle walk test, 3-minute step test), spirometry, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).

Main Results:

  • Asthmatic children exhibited significantly different FEV(1) and FeNO levels compared to controls.
  • Reduced distance covered in the shuttle walk test and higher perceived exertion were observed in the asthma group.
  • Key HRV parameters (rMSSD, HF) did not significantly decrease in asthmatic children during maximal exertion.

Conclusions:

  • Asthmatic and non-asthmatic children display distinct autonomic responses to physiological stress.
  • Parasympathetic cardiac modulation remains intact in asthmatic children even after maximal physical exertion.
  • Functional capacity and lung function in asthmatic children are influenced by airway inflammation levels.
Abstract

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