Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Asthma-related lung function and physical activity patterns among children living in urban neighborhoods
Anna J Yeo1,2,3, Elissa Jelalian1,2,4, Sheryl J Kopel1,2,4
1The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Insights
Many urban Black and Latino children with asthma show varied physical activity (PA) and lung function patterns. Understanding these diverse asthma and PA profiles is key for tailored interventions in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Urban Black and Latino American children face higher risks for co-occurring asthma and obesity.
- Physical activity (PA) is a critical modifiable factor influencing the asthma-obesity link.
- Existing research highlights the connection between good asthma control and high PA, but other asthma and PA patterns need further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize distinct patterns of asthma status and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in urban children with persistent asthma.
- To explore individual, family, and contextual factors associated with these identified patterns.
- To inform the development of targeted interventions for children with asthma.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 97 children (ages 7-9) with persistent asthma and their caregivers in urban settings participated.
- Daily measures of asthma status and MVPA, alongside health and sociodemographic questionnaires, were collected.
- Children were categorized into high/low lung function and MVPA groups using clinical guidelines and sample means.
Main Results:
- 29% of children exhibited optimal lung function and high MVPA.
- The majority of participants displayed less optimal patterns, including poorer lung function with high MVPA.
- Caregivers of children with poorer lung function and high MVPA reported higher asthma-related fears compared to those with low MVPA.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing diverse asthma and PA patterns is crucial for effective clinical management.
- Interventions should be individualized to address specific patient profiles.
- Further research into risk factors for suboptimal asthma and PA patterns can enhance multicomponent intervention strategies.
Objective:
Black and Latino American children residing in urban environments are at increased risk for comorbid asthma and obesity. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable behavior known to contribute to the asthma-obesity phenotype. While research has indicated links between optimal asthma status and high PA among children, little is documented about whether this group may display other asthma and PA patterns that warrant clinical attention and tailored interventions.
Methods:
Children with persistent asthma (N = 97) ages 7-9 and their caregivers from urban neighborhoods completed daily measures of asthma status and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and questionnaires about health and sociodemographic characteristics. Clinical asthma guidelines (e.g. FEV1 ≥ 80%) and sample means were used to categorize children into high or low lung function and MVPA patterns. Individual, family, and contextual differences across lung function and MVPA patterns were investigated.
Results:
Twenty-nine percent of participants displayed optimal lung function and high MVPA. The remainder of the sample exhibited various less optimal patterns (e.g. poorer lung function and high MVPA). Caregivers of children displaying poorer lung function and high MVPA levels were more likely to report asthma related fears than caregivers of children with low MVPA levels regardless of lung function status.
Conclusions:
Asthma and PA interventions can be tailored to better address each child's unique clinical and behavioral patterns. An enhanced understanding of risk factors for suboptimal patterns of asthma status and PA may aid in multicomponent intervention efforts.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...