Influence of physical activity in asthmatic children

Methods We compared functional respiratory testing in 72 asthmatic children (mean age 11.4±2.6 years) and in 70 healthy subjects (mean age 12.5±2.5 years). Each group was divided in 2 subgroups using a physical activity level cut-off (< 2 or > 3 hours spent for week), that way generating 4 study groups: asthmatic trained children, non asthmatic trained children, trained controls, non trained controls. We investigated type of preparticipation screening (noncompetitive or competitive) and functional characterizes. All subjects underwent a maximal treadmill exercise test, determining maximal oxygen uptake by indirect method, metabolic equivalents and exercise time, and performed spirometry pre and post exercise.