The physical activity level in children with asthma based on a survey among 7-16 year old school children.

The objective was to compare the physical activity level of children with asthma with that of non-asthmatic children. A standardized written questionnaire was administered in a survey of school children in three different areas of Norway: Oslo (n = 2577), Hallingdal (n = 831) and Odda (n = 1177). Response rates were > 85% in all areas, and approximately 50% of the respondents were female. No significant differences were found between the distributions in exercise frequency either for children reported ever to have had asthma (P = 0.8) or for those with current asthma (P = 0.3) compared to non-asthmatics. Similar results were found for exercise hours a week. More than 50% of all children took part in organized sport. The data suggest that asthmatic children are as physically active as their peers.