The comparison of physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Asthma, is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood period. It can affect the daily life to an advanced level and may become vital. The purpose of this study is to compare physical fitness and anaerobic capacity in asthmatic children (AC) and non-asthmatic children (NC). Materials and methods: A total of 47 children participated in the study; 25 individuals with mild to moderate asthma and 22 healthy children were assessed. The assessed variables consist pulmonary function and peripheral muscle strength (PMS). Additionally, physical fitness was evaluated by using fitnessgram test battery, which includes body composition, modified shuttle walk test (MSWT), curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test variables. Anaerobic capacity was measured with wingate anaerobic capacity test (WAnT) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) using a tri-axial accelerometer. Results: FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.01), MSWT (p = 0.001), push-up test (p = 0.01), and WAnT peak power (p = 0.05) were measured significantly to be found reduced in AC compared with that of NC. Between the two groups, PMS, curl-up test, sit and reach test, and CMJ were not significantly different (p = 0.05). High to moderate positive correlation was found among WAnT, CMJ parameters and FEV1, fat-free body mass (FFM), dominant handgrip, and quadriceps strengths (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Physical fitness level and anaerobic capacity were lower in AC compared with that of NC. Physical fitness parameters and anaerobic exercise capacity should be evaluated on the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in AC.

Mechanisms of ventilatory limitation to maximum exercise in children and adolescents with chronic respiratory diseases

“…Although FEV 1 is an important clinical parameter, according to our results, it does not influence the VO 2 peak achieved, at least for patients with mild-to-moderate impairments. In asthmatic children and adolescents, previous studies reported no significant correlations between FEV 1 and exercise capacity 13 , while others found a positive correlation 14 . For children and adolescents with CF, some studies found a positive correlation between FEV 1 and exercise capacity, while others reported that VO 2 peak could be preserved until FEV 1 falls below the predicted 60% 35 .…”

“…The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1 ) is one of the most used clinical parameters for monitoring CRD, including asthma 2 and CF 3 . Evidence indicates that FEV 1 correlates with clinical worsening and EIB in children and adolescents with asthma 12 , but implications of lung function on reduced exercise capacity are still unclear 13,14 . In patients with CF, evidence suggests that only a part of the variability in exercise capacity can be explained by FEV 1 15 .…”

Mechanisms of ventilatory limitation to maximum exercise in children and adolescents with chronic airway diseases

“…Although FEV 1 is an important clinical parameter, according to our results, it does not influence the VO 2 peak achieved, at least for patients with mild‐to‐moderate impairments. In asthmatic children and adolescents, previous studies reported no significant correlations between FEV 1 and exercise capacity, 13 while others found a positive correlation 14 . For children and adolescents with CF, some studies found a positive correlation between FEV 1 and exercise capacity, while others reported that VO 2 peak could be preserved until FEV 1 falls below the predicted 60% 39 .…”

“…In asthmatic children and adolescents, previous studies reported no significant correlations between FEV 1 and exercise capacity, 13 while others found a positive correlation. 14 For children and adolescents with CF, some studies found a positive correlation between FEV 1 and exercise capacity, while others reported that VO 2 peak could be preserved until FEV 1 falls below the predicted 60%. 39 Although a significant reduction in FEF 25%-75% was seen in CF patients as compared to asthmatics, it did not seem to affect oxygen consumption.…”

“…11 Evidence indicates that FEV 1 correlates with clinical worsening and EIB in children and adolescents with asthma, 12 but implications of lung function on reduced exercise capacity are still unclear. 13,14 In patients with CF, evidence suggests that only a part of the variability in exercise capacity can be explained by FEV 1 . 15 In general, the mechanisms responsible for exercise limitation in CAD are still poorly understood.…”