Promoting Factors for Physical Activity in Children with Asthma Explored through Concept Mapping

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Exercise Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) offers significant benefits for children with asthma, yet effective interventions to promote it are scarce.
• Understanding the perspectives of children, parents, and healthcare providers is essential for developing targeted PA strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the perspectives of children with asthma, their parents, and healthcare providers regarding factors influencing physical activity.
• To inform the development of a novel intervention aimed at increasing physical activity in children with asthma.

Main Methods:

• A concept mapping study involving children with asthma (n=25), parents (n=17), and healthcare providers (n=21).
• Participants generated and rated ideas influencing PA, followed by multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis.
• Factors were categorized as environmental or personal using the Physical Activity for people with a Disability model.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six unique clusters of factors influencing PA were identified, with 17 classified as environmental and 9 as personal.
• Crucial factors identified across all groups include effective asthma control, encouraging environments and social support, and suitable adapted facilities.
• These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach considering both individual and environmental influences.

Conclusions:

• Asthma control, supportive social and physical environments, and adapted facilities are key facilitators for physical activity in children with asthma.
• The identified factors, validated by end-users, provide a strong foundation for creating effective PA-promoting interventions.
• This research empowers healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies to enhance PA engagement in pediatric asthma management.