COVID-19 Pandemic and Reduced Physical Activity: Is There an Impact on Healthy and Asthmatic Children?

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) has been seen to improve asthma symptoms, lung function, and quality of life, as well as to reduce airway inflammation and bronchial responsiveness. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the minimal amount of PA recommended by the World Health Organization—i.e., about 60 min/day of moderate-to-high intensity—is difficult to achieve for many children, particularly those living in urban areas. Short-term changes in PA because of the COVID-19 pandemic may become habitual, increasing the risk of adverse asthma outcomes in children. Indeed, prolonged home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic reduces PA levels and increases sedentary behaviors, possibly impairing immune system function and increasing susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effects of lockdown due to COVID-19 on PA and sedentary behaviors in asthmatic children. Given that children stay longer indoors, indoor air pollution represents a major issue to consider during home confinement. This narrative review aims to summarize the available evidence about the impact of decreased PA and increased sedentary behaviors on children with asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, strategies for supporting PA in children with asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic are suggested, also looking at the issue of indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality and Health Outcomes in Employees Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

“…Finally, the effects of other behavioral factors could affect our findings. For example, some symptoms such as headache or dry eyes could be related to the increased screen time from telework [66], and other studies proposed that increased sedentary behaviors and reduced physical activity may increase the susceptibility to adverse health outcomes [46,67].…”

Allergen Management in Children with Type 2-High Asthma

“…Another possible contributor is is a reduced exposure to outdoor seasonal aeroallergens. 97 This may be compounded by the considerable reduction in outdoor air pollution that has been noted during the pandemic. Declines in outdoor ground-level nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and PM 2.5 have been noted in over 30 countries during the early phases of the pandemic, attributed in part to reductions in vehicle emissions.…”

“…For example, increased indoor time can result in increased exposure to second-hand smoke and indoor air pollutants. 97 In addition, with increased use of household cleaning products and disinfectants there has been a significant increase in volatile organic compound concentrations within the home including indoor total volatile organic compound concentration and PM 2.5 concentrations. 102 …”

“…Various solutions to maintain “healthy housing” have been proposed during the pandemic, to mitigate any impact of increased exposure to indoor aeroallergens and pollutants. 97 These include smoking avoidance and cessation, keeping windows open frequently (unless it is high pollen season), and avoiding burning solid fuels for cooking. 97 …”

“… 97 These include smoking avoidance and cessation, keeping windows open frequently (unless it is high pollen season), and avoiding burning solid fuels for cooking. 97 …”