IMPACT OF SWIMMING THERAPY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ASTHMA

Introduction Swimming, as a complementary therapy for asthmatic children, was first recommended in 1968 by USA authors. Methods In Hungary regular swimming training for asthmatic children, using methods developed by Gyene Istvan, has been used since August of 1981. Results The physical fitness of asthmatic children using the Gyene Istvan method of swimming regularly for years increased dramatically, being much better than in non- asthmatic, non- swimming children in the same age group. Their asthma medication requirement decreased and the severity of their disease moderated considerably. Conclusions Asthma is not rare even among elite athletes, being most frequent in endurance sports including Northern European cross-country skiers with an asthma prevalence between 14-54%; in long distance runners: 15-24%, and in swimmers: 13-44%; (Helenius: 2005). As elite athletes inspire 200 liter/minute as mostly through their mouth, air pollution and allergens can penetrate their lower respiratory tract. The air causes cooling and drying the mucosa of their airways and resultant bronchospasm. Swimming therapy, however, can be beneficial in asthma reducing both medications and improving control.