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Anaerobic exercise testing in children with asthma
S R Boas1, M J Danduran, S K Saini
1Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA.
Summary
Children with asthma showed similar anaerobic exercise performance compared to healthy peers. Body fat percentage, not lung function, influenced performance in asthmatic children, suggesting nutrition is key.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Respiratory Medicine
- Sports Physiology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting children.
- Exercise performance in children with asthma is a growing area of research.
- Understanding anaerobic capacity is crucial for assessing overall physical fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare anaerobic exercise performance in male children with and without asthma.
- To investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and anaerobic power in asthmatic children.
- To identify factors influencing anaerobic performance in pediatric asthma.
Main Methods:
- Wingate Anaerobic Test administered to 22 males with asthma and 22 healthy males (aged 7-18).
- Measurement of mid-maximal expiratory flow rate to assess pulmonary function.
- Analysis of peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) for anaerobic capacity assessment.
Main Results:
- Asthma group exhibited lower mid-maximal expiratory flow rate (p < 0.01).
- No significant differences in absolute or relative peak power and mean power between groups.
- Asthmatic subgroup with <25% body fat showed higher PP and MP compared to those with >25% body fat.
Conclusions:
- Children with asthma demonstrate comparable anaerobic exercise performance to healthy children.
- Pulmonary function and maturation are not independent predictors of anaerobic power in this cohort.
- Body fat percentage and potentially nutritional status are important factors for anaerobic performance in children with asthma.