The comparison of physical fitness and physical activity parameters in asthmatic and healthy children

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine and compare parameters of physical fitness and physical activity in asthmatic and healthy children. Method: A total of 47 children participated in the study; 25 of them were asthmatic and 22 of them were healthy. Disease-specific symptoms and Asthma Control Test were recorded in asthmatic children. Pulmonary function was assessed by Pulmonary Function Test. To posture evaluation, New York Posture Analysis Scale(NYPA) was used. Physical fitness was evaluated by using Fitnessgram Test Battery (FITNESSGRAM®), which consists of body composition with Tanita-BC 418 device, Modified Shuttle Walking Test, curl-up test, push-up test and sit and reach test parameters. Peripheral muscle strength (knee extension and hand grip strength) was measured by hand-held dynamometer and hand dynamometer. Anaerobic capacity were measured with Wingate Anaerobic Capacity Test (WAnT) and Vertical Jump Test using G-Walk accelerometer. Daily physical activity levels were assessed by Bouchard's Physical Activity Record (BOUCHARD). Results: FEV1/FVC ratio(p=0.008), New York Posture Analysis Scale(p=0.042), Modified Shuttle Walking Test heart rate(ending and delta) and distance(meter and percent) values(p=0.001), push-up test repetetion numbers(p=0.008), Wingate Anaerobic Capasity Test peak power values(p=0.034) were significantly lower in asthmatic children than healthy children. Between the two groups peripheral muscle strenght, curl-up test, sit and reach test, Vertical Jump Test, Bouchard's Physical Activity Record values were not significantly different(p>0.05). Conclusion: Functional capasity, posture, aerobic and anaerobic capasities, upper extremity muscle endurance and strenght in asthmatic children were lower than healthy children. It is important that appropriate physiotherapy programs are designed to minimize the impact of health-related physical fitness in childhood asthma, and that comprehensive assessments are made to prevent serious problems in patients' old age. Key Words: Asthma, Physical Fitness, Physical Activity