Abstract
Introduction: Asthma is characterized by a narrowing and inflammation of the bronchi, with symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue and exercise limitation. Physical therapy includes inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercises, given that an increase in inspiratory muscle strength and resistance can improve the symptoms of the disease.
 Objective: To describe the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and breathing exercises in children with asthma.
 Methods: This is a systematic review of the literature using the Cochrane, PubMed Scopus e Web of Science databases. The following descriptors were used: asthma, inspiratory muscle training, breathing exercises and child in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Two independent evaluators screened studies that used breathing exercises and IMT in children with asthma.
 Results: Of a total of 312 titles, eight studies were included, of which six are randomized clinical trials and two are observational studies All the studies included breathing exercises, with the objective of adjusting breathing patterns and pulmonary ventilation, reducing pulmonary hyperinflation, bronchospasm and sensation of dyspnea. However, as these exercises were not performed solely, the effects of this intervention could not be verified. Two studies performed IMT and showed an increase in maximal respiratory pressure.
 Conclusion: Breathing exercises are widely used in clinical practice as part of the management of asthma in children; however it is not possible to measure the effects in this population. IMT seems to improve inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, but its indication in the pediatric population is not a standard procedure.
Highlights
Asthma is characterized by a narrowing and inflammation of the bronchi, with symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue and exercise limitation
Breathing exercises are widely used in clinical practice as part of the management of asthma in children; it is not possible to measure the effects in this population
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 235 million people worldwide suffer from asthma[3], and in Brazil Barreto et al.[4] found a high prevalence of asthma symptoms among schoolchildren
Summary
Asthma is characterized by a narrowing and inflammation of the bronchi, with symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue and exercise limitation. The Global Initiative for Asthma defines asthma as a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, with a history of respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, cough and variable airflow limitation[1]. It affects people of different age groups and is the most common chronic disease among children[1,2]. There is evidence of benefits provided by physical activities, especially combined with breathing exercises; and it is indicated as a non-pharmacological treatment option as well as physiotherapy[12]
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