The Effect of exercise training on children with bronchial asthma

This study has been planned to show the place of exercise training, to improve respiratory functions on exercise and to search effects on functional capacity. Patients have been followed up by the department of Pediatric Allergy of Dokuz Eylül University with the diagnosis of mild or moderate bronchial asthma, than sent to school of Dokuz Eylül University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in the period of March 2000- March 2001 and 30 subjects were randomly chosen in this prospective study. All of the patients have been clinically assessed in terms of the severity of disease before and after exercise training. Six weeks period in the frequency of three times a week of exercise training program including respiratory exercises, general body strenghtening and improving physical fitness exercises was performed. At the outcome of the study, sputum and cough complains of subjects were improved. Chest perifery measurements that were examined in three sites, besides maximum increase has been measured in the subcostal site, showed statistically significant improvement after the performed exercise training, children's pattern of respiration has improved and it has been observed that children has used abdominal respiration. The tests done in a minute period are statistically significant however the best improvement is in the test done for diafragm. Distances of six minute walking test determining funtional capacities of subjects, were increased significantly. Respiratory function test parameter which are FVC, FEV1, FEF %25-75 and PEF are values improved significantly, only reduction in FEV1 / FVC ratio was not statistically significant. The decrease in the PEF measurements that are determined bronchial lability of subjects is not statistically significant. DOKÜMANTASYON MERKEZİRegular exercise training programs has positively improved respiratory, physical and exercise capacities and children with bronchial asthma perfectly benefited from exercise programs on evidence based. Key words : Childhood bronchial asthma, exercise training