Analysis of the association between exercise induced bronchospasm, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels of adolescents

Abstract

This study aims to verify the association between exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels in adolescents. To do so, we evaluated 202 healthy adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years, out of which 94 (46.5%) were females and 108 (53.5%) males. Participants performed a bronchial challenge test in a treadmill (Master Super ATL, Inbramed®) to evaluate bronchial hyper-responsiveness; a spirometric test (Microquark, Cosmed®) to evaluate lung function; answered the Baecke’s Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity; and performed the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run test. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, chi-square test, and odds ratio. The significance level adopted was p<0.05. No statistically significant correlations were found between the decrease of the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels. Likewise, the chi-squared test revealed no significant differences between classifications of cardiorespiratory fitness (low or adequate) and EIB (presence or absence) (χ2=0.155; p=0.694). Finally, odds ratio showed no increased chances of the presence of EIB in participants who presented low cardiorespiratory fitness (OR=1.130; CI: 0.616-2.073). We concluded that cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels are not associated with the decrease of FEV1 and that there is no relation between the presence of EIB and the classification of cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents.