The effectiveness of an indoor intermittent training program for improving lung function, physical capacity, body composition and quality of life in children with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of a 12-week indoor intermittent training program on lung function, physical capacity, body composition and quality of life in children with asthma.


METHODS
Participants were randomized in an experimental group (EG, 58 children, age = 11.55 ± 1.01 years) and in a control group (CG, 47 children, age = 11.51 ± 1.42 years). The training program was conducted indoors and consisted of alternating high- and low-intensity stimuli, for three sessions of 60 min/week, for 12 weeks. Physical exercise and sports activities were organized to follow the criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine (1999) and previous interventions' studies.


RESULTS
In EG, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in FEV1, FEV6, 6MWT, handgrip strength, CMJ and flexibility. Reductions in BMI and fat mass as well as an increase in quality of life were all shown. The dyspnea index decreased significantly and there were no episodes of EIA. There is a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the ΔFEV1 with Δhandgrip strength and Δ6MWT and a negative correlation with Δfat mass.


CONCLUSIONS
An indoor intermittent training program with these characteristics has improved lung function, physical capacity, body composition and quality of life in children with asthma. These training adaptations are particularly relevant for those patients suffering from asthma as a regular physical exercise routine will greatly improve their quality of life.
Department of Didactics of Musical and Corporal Expression, University of Jaén , Jaén , Spain.
Pedro Ángel
PÁ
Latorre-Román
Ana Vanesa
AV
Navarro-Martínez
Felipe
F
García-Pinillos
D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001823:Body Composition; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Adolescents; Asthma; intermittent training; physical exercise