Physical activity and its effect on enjoyment, participation in sports, and quality of life in children with asthma

Aim. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of an indoor physical activity programme on enjoyment, participation in sports, physical self-concept, and the quality of life in children with asthma. Materials and methods. The study involved 105 schoolchildren with asthma (ages: 11.54 ± 1.20 years, age range: 10-14 years). The participants were divided into two groups, the experimental (EG) (n = 58, age = 11.55 ± 1.01 years) and control (CG) (n = 47, age = 11.51 ± 1.42 years) groups. The 60-minute indoor physical activity programme was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, enjoyment, participation in sports, physical self-concept, and the quality of life were obtained during the study. Results. In the experimental group, a significantly decreased body mass index and improved aerobic fitness, physical self-concept, and quality of life were recorded compared to the control group. Conclusion. The data obtained after the use of the physical activity programme demonstrated improved enjoyment and participation in sports, as well as better physical self-concept and a higher quality of life in children with asthma.