Physical condition levels of non-severe asthmatic boys ages 8 - 14

Abstract

The physical condition levels of non-severe asthmatic boys (N=8) were assessed and compared to matched non-asthmatic peers (N=8) of similar physical characteristics (age, height, and weight). Physical condition was evaluated through measurement of: 1) cardiopulmonary measures: exercise tolerance - via total treadmill duration time, submaximal MET and RPE levels to a heart rate of 170 beats per minute, using a Modified Balke Protocol, and pulmonary function - via mean FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratios both before and five minutes after the exercise tolerance test, and 2) physiological measures: flexibility, and muscle strength and power - via mean torque values for R and L elbow/knee flexion and extension at 60 degrees and 180 degrees per second (strength and power respectively). A t-test for paired differences revealed significant mean differences (p < .05) in left elbow extension measures for power. Insignificant mean differences were observed for all remaining parameters measured. Results indicated that non-severe asthmatic's physical condition levels were not significantly different from matched non-asthmatic peers.