Key result
Asthmatic children demonstrated reduced functional capacity compared to controls, traveling a shorter distance on the shuttle walk test.
Why the study?
Does asthma alter autonomic modulation and functional capacity during maximal and submaximal work rates in children?
Cross-Sectional (n=24)
Does asthma alter autonomic modulation and functional capacity during maximal and submaximal work rates in children?
Asthmatic children exhibit reduced functional capacity and an altered autonomic response to physical stress, characterized by a lack of parasympathetic withdrawal during maximal exertion.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May indicate impaired functional capacity in asthmatic children; hypothesis-generating for autonomic mechanisms, needs prospective validation.
BACKGROUND: Children with asthma experience changes in functional capacity and autonomic control. The literature suggests that this imbalance is responsible for bronchial hyperresponsiveness, primarily during physical effort. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate variables of autonomic modulation and functional capacity in asthmatic children after maximum and submaximum work rate. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 24 children [18 in the asthma group (AG) and 6 in the control group (CG)]. Evaluations involved heart rate variability (HRV) and functional capacity [shuttle walk test (SWT) and three-minute step test]. Pulmonary function was also evaluated through spirometry and the fractional concentration of expired nitric oxide (FeNO). RESULTS: The asthma diagnostic variables FEV(1) and FeNO differed significantly between groups (p = .01). Distance traveled on the SWT was lower in the AG (333.13 ± 97.25 m vs. 442.66 ± 127.21 m; p = .04). Perceived exertion was greater in the AG. The HRV variables rMSSD and HF did not decrease significantly during the SWT (maximum work rate) in the AG (p = .01 and .04). FeNO was negatively correlated with FEV(1)/FVC (r = -0.70; p = .004) and positively correlated with pNN50 (r = 0.50; p = .03) in the AG. CONCLUSION: From the autonomic standpoint, asthmatic and non-asthmatic children respond differently to stress. No withdrawal of parasympathetic cardiac modulation occurs in asthmatic children after maximum work rate. Children with asthma experience changes in functional capacity and lung function may vary depending on the degree of inflammation of the airways.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gomes et al. (2013) conducted a cross-sectional in Asthma (n=24). Asthma vs. Non-asthmatic children was evaluated on Distance traveled on the shuttle walk test (SWT) (p=0.04). Asthmatic children demonstrated reduced functional capacity compared to controls, traveling a shorter distance on the shuttle walk test.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: