Keep-fit message for youngsters with asthma

Artists, behavioural experts and 3D animators are joining together to create new methods of encouraging young asthma sufferers to exercise.

A study led by the University of Stirling is working with 12- to 18-year-olds and their parents to get young people with asthma more active.

Researchers are using animation to help teenagers visualise the lungs, and how asthma works, to identify the differences between asthma and breathlessness due to inactivity.

It will also be used to demonstrate to them and their parents the impact of inhalers.

An activity plan will then be agreed between parents, health professionals and teachers for each child.

Led by the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, the 18-month study has been awarded £225,000 in funding from the Chief Scientist Office.

Professor Brian Williams, director of the unit, said activity levels among healthy young people in most industrialised nations were falling and children with asthma were less likely to be physically active than their peers.

He said: “Studies show that young people with asthma can exercise safely if appropriately treated, and can significantly improve their cardiovascular fitness and their quality of life by doing so.

“However, young people with asthma are even less likely to be physically active than their peers and they attribute this to their asthma.”

He also urged parents and children not to let asthma become a barrier to taking part in health activities.

“There is a perception by some parents and teachers that if the child has asthma and exercises, there is a safety issue in case of an attack,” Professor Williams said.

“Sometimes there is a misconception where they think they are having an attack, but it may be there is just a low level of fitness.”