Psychological Responses to Intermittent Activities in Children With and Without Asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Exercise Science
• Asthma Research

Background:

• Understanding psychological responses to physical activity is crucial for promoting adherence in children.
• Asthma can impact a child's participation and experience during exercise.
• Investigating the nuances of mood and enjoyment across different activities is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare psychological responses (mood, exertion, enjoyment) to various intermittent physical activities in children with and without asthma.
• To determine if asthma status influences these psychological responses.
• To identify which types of intermittent activities elicit the most positive psychological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• 37 children and adolescents (aged 8-16) participated.
• Five different exercises were administered in a fixed order: walking, resistance, dance, obstacle course, and step test.
• In-task mood, perceived exertion, and post-activity enjoyment were measured using validated scales.

Main Results:

• Exercise type significantly affected mood, perceived exertion, and enjoyment.
• Asthma status did not significantly impact overall mood, exertion, or enjoyment.
• Children with asthma reported lower mood during step tests and lower enjoyment after walking and obstacle courses.

Conclusions:

• Both children with and without asthma reported high mood and enjoyment across most activities.
• Specific exercises like step tests and obstacle courses may elicit different psychological responses based on asthma status.
• Findings suggest that tailored exercise prescription can enhance psychological well-being in children with asthma.