Impacts of Asthma-Obesity Associations on Childrens Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activities
Background: This study was developed to explore the relationship between asthma and obesity and the impact of that association on children’s physical activities. Potential age and gender differences in the association between asthma, obesity, and activity were also examined. Methods: Children were recruited from outpatient physician clinics to participate in a cross-sectional study. Child body mass index percentile and asthma severity were clinically assessed. Children’s physical activity was assessed through parent report and assigned appropriate metabolic equivalent task (MET) scores. Results: 75 children participated in the study. Regardless of their asthmatic and weight statuses, boys and girls significantly differed based on their average MET scores (p = .007), respectively. Younger, mildly asthmatic children had significantly higher MET scores than older, mildly asthmatics (p<.05); younger, severe asthmatics had moderately higher average MET scores than older, severe asthmatics (p <.05). Conclusion: Young asthmatic children and boys overall are more physically active than the older, asthmatic children and girls overall, respectively.
