ABSTRACT

Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition in children and a common reason for hospitalization (Beggs et al., 2013). Functional spinal column disorders (FSCD) characterized by a deviated spinal curvature can impair musculoskeletal development. Both medical conditions have a strong impact on children’s wellbeing through restriction of peer interaction and daily activity attendance. Decreased social functioning and limited interaction prevent skill development and are associated with the development of performance and social anxiety. Involvement in physical activity programs increases fitness, coordination and strength. The effect of physical exercise on the medical condition is well documented, but quality of life is less investigated in the literature. The major aim of the present study was to demonstrate that aside from improving physical fitness, sport therapy (swimming training and complex sport therapy) improves children’s quality of life by reducing anxiety symptomatology in both asthma and other chronic conditions (FSCD) compared to normally developing peers. Hungarian children aged 8-11 years with FSCD and/or asthma that participated in swimming training or complex sport therapy for 18 months showed a decrease in selfreported anxiety compared to matched controls. Our findings support the use of swimming and complex sport therapy in the improvement of children’s quality of life through reduction of anxiety symptoms.

KEYWORDS: functional spinal column disorders, asthma, anxiety, swimming, complex sport therapy

PAGES:277-288