B4176 - The composition of physical activity in youth with and without a diagnosis of asthma - 13/03/2023

B number: 
B4176
Principal applicant name: 
Melitta McNarry | Swansea University and the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (Wales)
Co-applicants: 
Kathryn Jordan, Kelly Mackintosh, Gwyneth Davies, Paul Lewis, Chris Griffiths, Sebastien Chastin, Adam Runacres
Title of project: 
The composition of physical activity in youth with and without a diagnosis of asthma
Proposal summary: 

Daily movement behaviours can be broadly classified into four categories, dependent largely on intensity, namely sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The government recommend children and young people partake in an average of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, in order to maintain good health. Whilst current research supports the need to improve physical activity engagement in childhood, interventions thus far have shown little to no significant improvement. Furthermore, whilst it is suggested that children with asthma follow the same guidelines in regard to engagement in physical activities, but no guidance is given as to the type of exercise, or whether different intensities are more suitable for different clinical groups.

The aim of this project is to characterise the composition, and level of, physical activity behaviours throughout the day, with specific interest in exploring whether those diagnosed with asthma show similar patterns to those without asthma. The data set will be combined with data from the Millennium Cohort Study and the Commando Joes/X4A Trial, and analysis will consider age, sex and asthma status.

Impact of research: 
The study will allow us to characterise physical activity patterns and to identify potentially important differences between those with and without asthma. By looking at the compositional nature of physical activity within a given time frame (24 hours), it will be possible to suggest more appropriate and specific physical activity interventions in the future, particularly for those with asthma.
Date proposal received: 
Thursday, 20 October, 2022
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 24 October, 2022
Keywords: 
Sports and exercise Sciences, Respiratory - asthma, Statistical methods, Physical - activity, fitness, function