Combining montelukast with exercise in the clinical treatment of children with mild asthma / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe any effect of combining the anti-asthmatic drug montelukast with exercise therapy on the pulmonary function, clinical symptoms, functional exercise capacity and quality of life of children with asthma.Methods:Seventy children (between 7 and 14 years old) with mild asthma were randomly divided into an observation group ( n=35) and a control group ( n=35). Both groups were given the anti-asthmatic drug montelukast, while the observation group was additionally provided with breathing training and aerobic pedaling training. Before and after the intervention, both groups′ forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and 6min walking test (6MWT) distance were tested. Their asthma symptoms were scored using the pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ). Any adverse events during the study were recorded. Results:After 8 weeks the observation group′s average 6MWT distance, total PAQLQ score, as well as the scores on each domain of the PAQLQ (symptoms, activity restriction, emotions) had improved significantly. The observation group′s average heart rate and perceived exertion rating after the 6MWT had also improved significantly, as had their average daytime and nighttime asthma symptom scores. The control group also demonstrated significant improvement in their PAQLQ symptom scores and their daytime and nighttime asthma symptom scores after the intervention. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.Conclusions:Supplementing montelukast with exercise is effective and feasible in the treatment of children with mild asthma, with good safety and tolerance. Such combined therapy is worthy of further research and promotion.