Benefits of swimming in asthma: effect of a session of swimming lessons on symptoms and PFTs with review of the literature. J Asthma 2003;40(5):453-64
Date
10/08/2003Pubmed ID
14529095DOI
10.1081/jas-120018706Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0141843524 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 51 CitationsAbstract
A study involving eight children with moderate persistent asthma was undertaken to determine whether standard swimming lessons improved symptoms and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in asthmatic children. Five children ages 7-12 years old with moderate persistent asthma were randomized to a swimming lesson group (5- to 6-week session) and three to a control group. Both groups completed pre- and poststudy period PFTs and symptom questionnaires. Swimming lessons did not produce a significant change in asthma symptoms or PFTs. Review of previous literature found that swimming has been shown to have definite benefits in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in asthmatic children. Swimming has been shown to be less asthmogenic than other forms of exercise. Some studies have also shown improvement in asthma symptoms in children participating in exercise programs.
Author List
Weisgerber MC, Guill M, Weisgerber JM, Butler HAuthor
Michael C. Weisgerber MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AsthmaAsthma, Exercise-Induced
Child
Exercise Therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Respiratory Function Tests
Swimming
