Determinants of Functional Capacity in Children With Asthma

Functional capacity will be assessed with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). 6MWT will be performed in accordance with the criteria of the American Thoracic Society. The 6MWT distance will be recorded in meters.

"Pulmonary function test will be performed with a spirometer (COSMED Pony FX (COSMED; Italy) by ATS/ERS criteria. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory volume (PEF) parameters will be measured. The results will be recorded both as a percentage of measured values and expected values."

Respiratory muscle strength will be measured in accordance with ATS/ERS criteria using an electronic, mobile, (MicroRPM, Micro Medical; UK) intraoral pressure measuring device. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) values will be recorded. Three measurements will be repeated for each maneuver and the highest value recorded as cmH2O.

The 30-Second Chair Test is administered using a folding chair without arms, with a seat height of 17 inches (43.2 cm). The chair, with rubber tips on the legs, is placed against a wall to prevent it from moving. The participant is seated in the middle of the chair, back straight; feet approximately a shoulder width apart, and placed on the floor at an angle slightly back from the knees, with one foot slightly in front of the other to help maintain balance. Arms are crossed at the wrists and held against the chest. The participant is encouraged to complete as many full stands as possible within 30 seconds. The participant is instructed to fully sit between each stand.