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Are young children with asthma more likely to be less physically active?
Author(s) -
Cassim Raisa,
Dharmage Shyamali C.,
Peters Rachel L.,
Koplin Jennifer J.,
Allen Katrina J.,
Tang Mimi L. K.,
Lowe Adrian J.,
Olds Timothy S.,
Fraysse Francois,
Milanzi Elasma,
Russell Melissa A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.13383
Subject(s) - wheeze , asthma , medicine , body mass index , cross sectional study , pediatrics , demography , physical activity , physical therapy , pathology , sociology
Abstract Background Previous research suggests that children who experience asthma may be less physically active; however, results have been inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of asthma or wheeze is associated with lower physical activity levels in children, and whether sex, body mass index or earlier asthma or wheeze status modifies the association. Methods This study was conducted in 391 HealthNuts participants in Melbourne, Australia. Asthma and wheeze data were collected via questionnaire at age 4 and 6, and physical activity was measured through accelerometry. Using adjusted linear regression models, the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations were investigated. Results There was no evidence of a difference in time spent in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at age 6 years between children with and without asthma at age 4; children with asthma spent 8.3 minutes more time physically active per day (95% CI: −5.6, 22.1, P = .24) than children without asthma. Similar results were seen for children with current wheeze (5.8 minutes per day more, 95% CI: −5.9, 17.5, P = .33) or ever wheeze or asthma (7.7 minutes per day more, 95% CI: −4.8, 20.2, P = .23) at age 4 years. Comparable null results were observed in the cross‐sectional analyses. Interaction with BMI could not be assessed; however, previous asthma or wheeze status and sex were not found to modify these associations. Conclusion This analysis found no evidence of asthma hindering physical activity in these young children. These results are encouraging, as they indicate that the Australian asthma and physical activity public health campaigns are being effectively communicated and adopted by the public.