Physical activity in adolescents and young adults with allergies or asthma+allergies compared to their healthy peers

This study compared minutes and intensity of physical activity in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with allergies, asthma+allergies, and healthy AYAs. The relationship between physical activity and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were also examined. College students from a large Midwestern university completed questionnaires related to physical activity, anxiety, depression, and HRQOL via an online survey. Results revealed that AYAs with allergies and asthma+allergies are not limiting their physical activity when compared to their healthy peers. However, this study also found that AYAs with allergies and asthma+allergies experience increased rates of anxiety symptoms, and decreased quality of life, when compared to healthy AYAs. Results further revealed that AYAs with allergies, asthma+allergies, and healthy AYAs who adhered to the NIH weekly physical activity guidelines experienced decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increased quality of life. This is one of the only studies to date to investigate the rates of physical activity in AYAs with allergies and asthma+allergies compared to their healthy peers. Consistent with previous literature, these findings suggest that regular participation in physical activity can improve psychological functioning. Furthermore, this study sheds light on the importance of examining physical activity in samples of AYAs with asthma and allergies, an overlooked population in the literature.