Effect of exercise-induced bronchospasm and parental beliefs on physical activity of asthmatic adolescents from a tropical region

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is an essential health promotion factor. In asthmatic children and adolescents, exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) and parental beliefs and attitudes toward PA may be limiting issues. ObjectiveTo compare PA levels in asthmatic adolescents with and without EIB and the influence of mothers' beliefs of asthma worsening due to PA and attitudes in restraining their children's PA, asthma severity, severe EIB, or bronchospasm perception. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, hypothesis-testing study from December 1, 2008, through August 31, 2009, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assesses PA levels in 134 asthmatic adolescents (10-19 years of age, 60% male) from an underprivileged community. EIB was defined as a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second greater than 10% from basal 5, 15, or 30 minutes after treadmill running for 8 minutes. Subjective factors were evaluated through specific questionnaires. ResultsEIB was diagnosed in 46% of patients and was not associated with lower PA levels (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-3.52). The other factors evaluated were also not associated with lower PA levels, although 78% of the mothers said they believe asthmatic children cannot participate in PA as much as nonasthmatic children, 44% that exercise can be harmful, and 52% that they restrained their children's PA. ConclusionWe found no association between EIB and low PA levels, although EIB was a frequent event that should be addressed by health care professionals, along with mother's beliefs and attitudes toward PA.