Physical training improves quality of life both in asthmatic children and their caregivers

Uncontrolled asthma and exacerbations can impair quality of life not only in children with asthma but also in their caregivers. 1 Everhart R.S. Fiese B.H. Asthma severity and child quality of life in pediatric asthma: a systematic review. Patient Educ Couns. 2009; 75: 162-168 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (80) Google Scholar , 2 Dean B.B. Calimlim B.C. Sacco P. Aguilar D. Maykut R. Tinkelman D. Uncontrolled asthma: assessing quality of life and productivity of children and their caregivers using a cross-sectional Internet-based survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2010; 8: 96 Crossref PubMed Scopus (68) Google Scholar Benefits of exercise in asthma have been broadly discussed. [3] Craig T.J. Dispenza M.C. Benefits of exercise in asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013; 110: 133-140.e132 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar In a recent systematic review, a trend toward improvement of quality of life outcomes was found in patients with asthma after an aerobic training program. [4] Pacheco D.R. Silva M.J. Alexandrino A.M. Torres R.M. Exercise-related quality of life in subjects with asthma: a systematic review. J Asthma. 2012; 49: 487-495 Crossref PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar Because exercise is a powerful trigger for asthma symptoms, we hypothesized that caregivers may be reluctant to allow their asthmatic children to engage in sports practice, fearing an exacerbation of the disease. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of children's physical training on caregivers' quality of life.