The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether the prepubertal boy with exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is able to participate in sports, provided some preventive measures against bronchoconstriction (BC) are taken. A further objective of the research was to determine whether swimming or gymnastics helped improve EIA to a greater extent. After a two-month training in swimming or gymnastic exercises (3 hours/week) all subjects underwent an aerobic test on a bicycle ergometer. Both groups improved their physical condition assessed by the determination of maximal oxygen uptake. The course of the illness did not show any variation although there was an improvement in subjective well being. From this study it can be concluded that the child with EIA can and should be encouraged to participate in sport.
© Copyright 1992 Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming. Swimming Science VI. Published by E & FN Spon. All rights reserved.