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Attitudes of asthmatic and nonasthmatic children to physical exercise

Authors Dimitrakaki V, Porpodis K, Bebetsos E, Zarogoulidis P, Papaiwannou A, Tsiouda T, Tsioulis H, Zarogoulidis K

Received 21 November 2012

Accepted for publication 20 December 2012

Published 19 January 2013 Volume 2013:7 Pages 81—88

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S40577

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Vithleem Dimitrakaki,1 Konstantinos Porpodis,2 Evangelos Bebetsos,1 Paul Zarogoulidis,2 Antonis Papaiwannou,2 Theodora Tsiouda,2 Hlias Tsioulis,2 Konstantinos Zarogoulidis2

1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece; 2Pulmonary Department, G Papanikolaou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the physical activity of children with and without asthma in Greece, the factors affecting their intention to exercise, and the influence of gender.
Method: The study involved 50 children with asthma and 50 children without asthma, aged 9–14-years old. We used the leisure time exercise questionnaire to assess the frequency and intensity of exercise. The planned behavior scale examined seven factors affecting physical activity: attitude, intention, self-identity, attitude strength, social role model, information, and knowledge.
Results: Asthmatic children did not differ significantly in mild, moderate, and overall level of physical activity from children without asthma but they participated less in intense and systematic exercise. The two asthmatic groups did not differ in any of the planned behavior factors. Significant differences between genders occurred with respect to self-identity and social role model. Boys appeared to exercise more regularly and intensely compared to girls.
Conclusion: Asthmatic children did not systematically participate in physical activity, preferring mostly mild and moderate intensity activities. Children with and without asthma had comparable positive attitudes and intentions toward exercise.

Keywords: planned behavior theory, asthma, sports, health behavior

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