Table 1

Clinical and functional characteristics of the asthmatic children at baseline and final evaluations

VariablesGroup 1
(n = 26)
Group 2
(n = 16)
FEV1 pre-BD (%
pred)
Initial78.3 (16.4)99.1 (18.8)1-150
Final80.2 (15.5)97.6 (17.4)1-150
FEV1 post-BD (% pred)Initial92.1 (18.7)109.0 (19.3)1-150
Final91.4 (17.1)106.5 (15.3)1-150
o 2max (% pred)Initial83.4 (10.5)99.0 (19.4)1-150
Final87.8 (11.1)91.1 (18.0)
o 2max (l/min)Initial1444 (215)1659 (287)1-150
Final1523 (202)1585 (273)
o 2AT/V˙o 2max (%)Initial46.2 (7.8)59.5 (12.6)1-150
Final48.3 (9.1)47.2 (13.4)
O2 pulse (% pred)Initial91.2 (14.1)114.1 (23.3)1-150
Final106.5 (17.1) 106.3 (30.1)
Severe asthma9 Initial22 (84%)11 (69%)
Final18 (69%)13 (81%)
Medication score >310 Initial22 (84%)11 (69%)
Final15 (57%)14 (87%)
EIB positive16 Initial13 (50%)8 (57%)
Final12 (46%)10 (71%)
  • Values are mean (SD) for continuous variables and frequency (approximated %) for the others.

  • FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC = forced vital capacity; BD = bronchodilator; V˙o 2= oxygen consumption; AT = anaerobic threshold; O2 pulse =V˙o 2/heart rate; max = relative to maximum exercise.

  • 1-150 p<0.05 (group 2 > group 1; non-paired ttest).

  • p<0.05 (final evaluation vs initial evaluation; paired t test).