Swimming training for asthma in children and adolescents aged 18 years and under

Abstract BackgroundAsthma is the most common chronic medical condition in children and a common reason for hospitalisation. Observational studies have suggested that swimming, in particular, is an ideal form of physical activity to improve fitness and decrease the burden of disease in asthma. ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness and safety of swimming training as an intervention for asthma in children and adolescents aged 18 years and under. Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Airways Group's Specialised Register of trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE , EMBASE, CINAHL, in November 2011, and repeated the search of CENTRAL in July 2012. We also handsearched ongoing Clinical Trials Registers. Selection criteriaWe included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs of children and adolescents comparing swimming training with usual care, a non‐physical activity, or physical activity other than swimming. Data collection and analysisWe used standard methods specified in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic reviews of Interventions. Two review authors used a standard template to independently assess trials for inclusion and extract data on study characteristics, risk of bias elements and outcomes. We contacted trial authors to request data if not published fully. When required, we calculated correlation coefficients from studies with full outcome data to impute standard deviation of changes from baseline. Main resultsEight studies involving 262 participants were include...
Source: Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Intervention Review Source Type: research