Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program

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Published: 2026-08-11
Keywords:
Asthma, High-Intensity Interval Training, Teenagers Asma, Entrenamiento Interválico de Alta Intensidad, Adolescentes Asma, Treino Intervalado de Alta Intensidade, Adolescentes

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“Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program: Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program” (2026) Revista Chilena de Rehabilitación y Actividad Física, 6(1), p. 13. doi:10.32457/reaf.v6.3504.
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Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): In Press
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Artículos
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How to Cite

“Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program: Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program” (2026) Revista Chilena de Rehabilitación y Actividad Física, 6(1), p. 13. doi:10.32457/reaf.v6.3504.
Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program
Improvement of physical fitness in asthmatic youth through a high-intensity interval training program

Main Article Content

Edinson Saldaña González
Liceo Bicentenario Oriente

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a six-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) aerobic program on the health and physical fitness of students with asthma from a public secondary school in the city of Talca. Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative approach with an experimental, longitudinal, and prospective design, corresponding to a clinical trial without a control group, including pre- and post-intervention assessments. The sample consisted of six students with asthma aged 14 to 16 years, selected by convenience sampling from a public school in Talca. A six-week HIIT program was implemented, with two 30-minute sessions per week. Body composition, asthma control, expiratory capacity, and functional capacity were assessed using validated instruments, with progressive intensity and specific safety measures. Results: The final sample comprised six students with asthma aged 14 to 16 years, mostly female. After the intervention, body fat percentage decreased significantly by 6.14%, while lean mass showed a slight reduction of 0.20%. Mechanical peak flow increased by 2.5%. Additionally, the six-minute walk test showed an average increase of 225 meters. Finally, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score decreased by 1.67 points, indicating improved symptom control. Conclusions: The school-based HIIT program improved body composition in students with asthma, particularly by reducing body fat percentage, without adverse effects on asthma. It is confirmed as a safe and feasible strategy, although limited by effective school training time.

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