Changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and quality of life after an adapted physical activity program in children with asthma: A pilot pre-post observational study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and is associated with reduced physical activity (PA) and impaired quality of life. Despite well-established benefits of PA, many children with asthma remain sedentary due to fear of symptom exacerbation. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this pilot pre-post observational study was to describe changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior after participation in an Adapted Physical Activity (APA) program integrated into a Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) ("École du Souffle") for children with asthma. METHODS AND SETTINGS: This single-center retrospective observational pilot study used a pre-post design and included children with asthma who participated in the "École du Souffle" TPE program integrating adapted physical activity sessions in the Department of General Pediatrics and Pneumo-Allergology at Bicêtre Hospital (France) between October 2024 and June 2025. Twenty-five children participated in the program: Outcomes included PA level and sedentary time (CAPAS-Q), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0). The questionnaires were self-assessed by the children, with caregiver assistance when needed. Physical capacities were assessed using standardized tests (walking test, flexibility, muscle strength). RESULTS: Following the APA intervention, the overall physical activity score was higher than at baseline (p = 0.026), and out-of-school physical activity increased by 2.1 points on the CAPAS-Q scale. Sedentary time was significantly lower after the intervention. Quality of life improved following the intervention, particularly in emotional and social aspects. Physical capacities remained globally stable. CONCLUSION: Participation in an APA program integrated within TPE was associated with higher physical activity, lower sedentary behavior, and improved quality of life in children with asthma. These findings support the integration of APA within pediatric asthma management and highlight the importance of promoting PA prescription among healthcare professionals.