New Research: Even More Benefits of Physical Activity
It’s not often that I write about research study results, unless they are evidence given in the context of a larger concept, such as sleep safety in infants. However, a headline in a medical newsletter I receive weekly caught my attention and I felt intrigued enough to read the article and pass along the information here.
“Physically active children less likely to get upper respiratory tract infections.”
Obviously, the benefits of physical activity have discussed in many different forums. This information, however, is new and interesting. Upper respiratory tract infections – common cold, croup, sinusitis, etc – are one of the most common reasons for children young and old to visit the Pediatrician or urgent care. These infections are largely caused by viruses and therefore are frustrating to deal with. Treatments are usually comprised of only symptom management and time. The idea that physical activity could actually help prevent these infections is very encouraging.
What did the study find?
The article was published by Polish authors in January 2023 in the journal Pediatric Research. It looked at over a hundred children who were aged 4-7 years old. They observed parental reports of upper respiratory symptoms for a 60-day period. During that time, they also collected data on physical activity of these children via a fitness band worn on the wrist. This tracked daily step count, activity intensity, and sleep quality. Parents also reported if children were involved in sports activities.
Overall, the authors noted a statistical difference in a reduction of upper respiratory symptoms in the children with greater daily step counts. In addition, those children involved in sports three or more hours per week had less symptoms as well. There did not seem to be complications in the data due effects from sleep duration, number of siblings, gender, vaccinations, or exposure to pets or smoking.
So what does this mean?
While this was a small, fairly regional study, it does seem that there is at least some burgeoning evidence that physical activity could be beneficial in reducing the burden of upper respiratory symptoms in young children. Since these infections are so prevalent and lead to missing school, work absences for parents, and frequent use of over-the-counter medications, this potential benefit could be important for parents and children alike.
Recommendations for Physical Activity
Children aged 3-5 years are recommended to be “active throughout the day.” This includes outside play as well as unstructured play. It does not have to be a structured sport – simply running around and jumping on the playground is sufficient.
Children and teens 6 years and up are recommended to have at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, with moderate to vigorous activity three days per week. This includes running, biking, structured sports activities.
Children’s physical activity should include muscle-strengthening exercises such as body-weight moves in yoga and on the playground, as well as bone-strengthening exercises such as jumping rope and running.
Other Benefits of Physical Activity
The good news is, physical activity is something we have been recommending for children (and adults) of all ages anyway. There has been a huge body of evidence demonstrating benefits of physical activity in youth in regards to mental health, improved sleep duration and quality, cardiovascular health with decreased risks of high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as weight control.
Final Thoughts
While admittedly a small study that needs a broader approach before we can consider it to be fully applicable, the idea that physical activity as simple as taking more steps daily may decrease symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections is huge. As parents and Pediatricians know, upper respiratory symptoms are disruptive to daily life. In addition, there are countless other benefits from physical activity.
In other words, what do you have to lose by increasing physical activity in your child?
Maybe just some screen time.
Resources
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-022-02436-7
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