LAB 2 – Exercise Prescription

Tyler Hyvarinen – Aaron Ruberto – Allison Pruys

Respiratory Disorders – Asthma

  • Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by shortness of breath and is accompanied by coughing and wheezing sounds. Asthma is a very common with a variety of causes including aspirin, dust, pollutants, emotion and exercise (Donatelle et al., 2004).
  • Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA) is a specific form of asthma in which attacks are caused by exercise and can occur five to fifteen minutes (early phase) or four to six hours (late phase) after exercise. About 80% of all individuals diagnosed with asthma experience EIA (Powers & Howley, 2007)

Contraindications for Exercise and Physical Activity

  • Ventilatory limitations – impeded inspiration and expiration
  • Narrowing of the airway
  • Sensitivity and hyperirritability of the respiratory tract

(Cooper, 2002)

●The likelihood of an asthma attack occurring due to exercise is relative to:

  • Type of exercise
  • Time since the previous bout of exercise
  • Interval since medication was taken
  • Temperature and humidity of the inspired air

(Powers & Howley, 2007)

●In general, episodes of exercise induced asthma are initiated through more strenuous, long-duration exercise.

  • short-duration exercise (<5mins) at low to moderate intensities is recommended

Medication

●Preventer Medications

  • Inhaled Corticosteroids (Flovent, Seravent)
  • Corticosteroid Pills (PediaPred, Decadron)

Reducer Medications (help during attacks)

  • Short Acting Bronchodilators (Ventolin, Novo Salmol, Berotec)

-It is important to note that these inhalers may significantly increase heart rate.

(The Canadian Lung Association, 2006)

Tips for Exercise and Physical Activity

  • Exercise should begin with a conventional warm-up, with mild to moderate activity planned in 5 minute segments.
  • Swimming is better than other activities since the air above the water contains more moisture.
  • A scarf or face mask can be used when exercising outdoors in cold weather to help trap moisture.
  • The participant should carry an inhaler to be used at the first sign of wheezing.
  • Recommended modes of exercise include walking, cycling, swimming or conditioning exercises based on relaxation and balance such as Tai Chi and Yoga.
  • A buddy system is recommended, dependent on the severity of the asthma.

References

Cooper, C.B. (2002). Pulmonary Disease. In J.L Durstine & G.E. Moore (Eds.),

ACSM’s Exercise Management for People With Chronic Diseases and Disabilities (pp. 74-80). Windsor: Human Kinetics

Donatelle, R.J., Davis, L.G., Munroe, A.J., Munroe, A., & Casselman, M. (2004).

Health: The Basics. (3rd Canadian ed.). Toronto: Pearson Education Canada Inc.

Powers, S.K., & Howley, E.T. (2004). Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to

Fitness and Performance. (6th ed.). Toronto: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Canadian Lung Association. (2006). Medications for Asthma. Retrieved January 14, 2007, from medicaments/index_e.php