The validity of a group free running test screening for exercise-induced asthma in school children

Abstract

[Objective] This study was aimed to evaluate the validity of a group free running test as the exercise challenge for exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in asthmatic children.
[Methods] A 6-min free-run test, accompanied by a pacemaker, was performed in 50 school children attending a summer asthma camp in 2008. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) was obtained before running, immediately after running, and at 5 and 15 min after running. Heart rate was recorded during the exercise using portable heart rate monitors.
[Results] There were no children who failed to complete the test. In 9 children (18%), PEF was decreased more than 15% before exercise. In 47 (94%) cases, the heart rate rose above 170 beats/minute during the exercise, and it continued for about 5 minutes (mean duration, 296.1±53.1 sec).
[Conclusion] Because of enough intensity for exercise challenge, a group free running test, accompanied by a pacemaker, is adequate to detect the presence of EIA in asthmatic children.