Physical Activity Among Urban Children with Asthma: Does Sleep Matter?

AbstractThe present study examined associations between sleep and physical activity among a diverse sample of 97 urban children (ages 7 –9) with persistent asthma. Differences in associations were evaluated by race/ethnicity and weight status. The extent to which sleep moderated the association between lung function and physical activity was also evaluated. Generalized linear models were utilized to examine associations. Findings indicated that, among the aggregate sample, more frequent nighttime awakenings were associated with less time spent engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Important differences in these associations were identified by both race/ethnicity and weight status. Better lung function wa s associated with, (a) higher levels of MVPA for children with better sleep efficiency and fewer nighttime awakenings, and (b) lower levels of MVPA for children with poorer sleep efficiency and more frequent nighttime awakenings. In short, sleep mattered with respect to children’s physical activit y levels in this sample.
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research