Effects of physical therapy on lung function in children with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children.
• Physical therapy is a recognized complementary treatment for pediatric asthma.
• Understanding the impact of physical therapy on lung function is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of physical therapy interventions on lung function in children diagnosed with asthma.
• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing research on physical therapy for pediatric asthma.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed on data from 11 studies, including physical training, breathing exercises, and inspiratory muscle training.
• Key lung function parameters analyzed included forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF), all expressed as percent predicted values.
• A random effects model was employed for the meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included 11 studies focusing on physical training interventions.
• A statistically significant improvement in forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC(%pred)) was observed in the group receiving physical training.
• No significant improvements were noted for FEV1(%pred) or PEF(%pred) in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

• Physical training demonstrates a significant positive effect on FVC(%pred) in children with asthma.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy of breathing exercises and inspiratory muscle training in this population.
• The findings suggest that physical training can be a valuable component of asthma management, potentially complementing existing guidelines.