Actividad física y obesidad en niños con asma

Abstract

Background: Exercise- induced asthma is frequent among children. Objective: To compare physical activity (PA) and nutritional status in asthmatic (A) versus healthy (H) children. Methods: 81 school children were enrolled (40 A and 41 H). A validated interview with opinions and attitude towards PA was performed to parents in both groups. Nutritional status was classified according to body mass index. Answers were associated with %2 test. Results: 44% girls, average age 9 years-old. Average hours per week of PA = 2.4 in H and 1.9 in A (p=NS); 88%) of A versus 56%o of H performed < 2 hours per week of PA (p < 0.05). 85%o of A reported frequent symptoms associated to PA. Overweight and obesity were diagnosed in 15/40 A and 11/41 H (p < 0.05). Parents of A thought that PA was "dangerous" more frequently than parents of H (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Asthmatic children practice less PA than recommendations. There is an association between asthma, obesity and less PA level. Parents of asthmatic children have a negative opinion about PA, explaining the diminished PA performed by this group. © 2008 Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría.