Overweight and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction – Is there a link?

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of body mass index with regard to exercise performance, exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and respiratory symptoms in 7‐ to 16‐year‐old children. Methods A total of 1120 outdoor running exercise challenge test results of 7‐ to 16‐year‐old children were retrospectively reviewed. Lung function was evaluated with spirometry, and exercise performance was assessed by calculating distance per 6 minutes from the running time and distance. Respiratory symptoms in the exercise challenge test were recorded, and body mass index modified for children (ISO‐BMI) was calculated for each child from height, weight, age, and gender according to the national growth references. Results Greater ISO‐BMI and overweight were associated with poorer exercise performance (P