Benefits of swim training for children and adolescents with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To review scientific evidence related to the benefits of swimming and present an evidence-based approach to prescribing swim training for children and adolescents with asthma.


METHODS
Extensive literature review of all research that has been done on swim training in asthmatic children and adolescents, using the databases CINAHL, Medline, and ProQuest.


CONCLUSIONS
When swimming is compared to other sports in the scientific literature, it has been found to have a lower asthmogenicity. It has also been shown to decrease the severity of asthma symptoms. Swimming may be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for the child or adolescent with asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Research findings are summarized regarding the benefits of swim training on children and adolescents with asthma, and a stepped three-level approach to swim prescription is outlined along with safety recommendations.
Rosimini
Cherri
C
cherriswim@bellsouth.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D001249:Asthma / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000592:standards; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013550:Swimming