Association of low physical activity with higher respiratory tract infections frequency among pre-school children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the benefits of physical activity (PA) regarding upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among children. This study aimed to determine an association between the PA level and URTIs in preschoolers. METHODS: In 4-7-year-old participants, URTI symptoms were monitored using the Polish version of the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory System Survey for Kids. The daily number of steps, PA intensity, and sleep duration were measured with a Garminvivofit pedometer. The lag effect between the initial level of daily PA and the frequency of infections was evaluated. RESULTS: The average daily step count from healthy days was a significant determinant of the total number of days with the URTI symptoms, and it accounted for 44% (p < 0.001) of this variable variance. A low level of baseline PA (initial 14-day "run-in" observation period) was associated with an increased risk of URTI. In the non-sport group, the severity of the URTI symptoms depended on the number of daily steps. No significant correlation was found between sleep duration and the number of URTI days. CONCLUSION: Low levels of PA in preschoolers result in increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Parents should encourage children to engage in PA to prevent URTIs.

The discovery of a data-driven causal diagram of sport participation in children and adolescents with heart disease: a pilot study

“…Comparable PA levels of children with ConHD to normal children, however, higher than previously reported by others, were recently observed by authors from Belgium, who speculated that this could be attributed to their policy of motivating and encouraging children to participate in sports (9). Indeed, sport is one of the best investments for promoting PA (10), as it provides medical and psychosocial benefits for children and adolescents (11,12). Sport participation could be a solution to promote PA in children and youth with ConHD as interventions aimed at improving PA levels in this population did not produce the expected outcomes (13)(14)(15)(16).…”

Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children with Down Syndrome: A Review

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Echinacea purpurea: An overview of mechanism, efficacy, and safety in pediatric upper respiratory infections and otitis media

“…Upper respiratory infections (URIs) represent a significant health concern in pediatric populations, manifesting as a leading cause of acute illness and a primary reason for visits to healthcare providers worldwide. The incidence of URIs is notably elevated among preschoolaged children owing to their evolving immune systems and heightened exposure to pathogens in daycare or educational environments (Jin et al, 2021;Kusel et al, 2007;Ostrzyżek-Przeździecka et al, 2023). These infections, characterized by symptoms such as cough, fever, and sore throat, can significantly impact a child's well-being and development (Ogal et al, 2021;Ren et al, 2019).…”