Active Airways for Children and Young People With Asthma
The 'Active Airways' study is looking into new ways to help children and young people with asthma, aged 10 to 17, manage their condition more effectively in the UK. Researchers want to see if adding exercise, education, or both to their usual asthma care can make a difference. Participants will be placed into one of three groups by chance: one group will continue with their normal asthma treatment, another will receive their usual care plus weekly online asthma education sessions, and the third group will get their usual care along with three exercise sessions per week and education classes. The study aims to find out if these additional activities are practical and helpful, potentially improving fitness, lung function, and reducing asthma attacks.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called 'Active Airways', is for children and young people aged 10 to 17 in the UK who have asthma. We know that managing asthma can sometimes be tricky. This research wants to find out if learning more about asthma through education, and taking part in exercise, can help young people to control their asthma better. This is really important because better asthma control can mean fewer breathing problems and a better quality of life.
The researchers will split the young people taking part into three groups using a computer, so it's a fair way of deciding. One group will keep doing what they normally do for their asthma, which is called 'usual care'. The second group will have their usual care, but they'll also join an online asthma education class once a week, for about 45 minutes. The third group will also have their usual care, but they’ll get both the weekly asthma education and three exercise sessions each week.
By comparing these groups, the study hopes to see if adding education, exercise, or both, makes a real difference. They will look at whether these new approaches are easy to follow and if they help with things like fitness, how well lungs work, and if they reduce hospital visits or asthma attacks. The aim is to find practical ways to help young people with asthma feel better and live more active lives.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if exercise and education help young people manage asthma.
- Participants aged 10-17 with asthma are needed.
- There are three groups: usual care, education, or exercise plus education.
- All participants continue their regular asthma medication.
- Aims to improve fitness, lung function, and reduce asthma attacks.
- Participation includes assessments and potentially group discussions.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a young person with asthma, aged between 10 and 17 years old. You should have been diagnosed with mild to moderate, or even severe asthma. It's important that you are able to speak and understand English, and that you are willing and able to agree to take part in the study and discuss your experiences.
Because part of the study might involve exercise, you also need to be able to safely participate in a formal exercise programme. You'd also need to be around 130cm (about 4 feet 3 inches) tall, as this helps with some of the fitness tests. If you’ve had certain recent health issues, like a course of antibiotics or steroid tablets in the last month, or if you have other serious health conditions that would make exercise difficult, this study might not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 10 and 17 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of asthma?
- Can you speak and understand English well?
- Are you able to take part in exercise safely?
- Are you around 130cm (about 4 feet 3 inches) tall?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first be placed into one of three groups by a computer. You'll either continue your usual asthma care, or receive your usual care plus weekly online asthma education, or receive your usual care with three exercise sessions a week and education classes. All participants will continue to take their regular asthma medication as prescribed by their doctor.
The study will involve some assessments to see how you are doing with your asthma, fitness, and overall well-being. These assessments will happen at the start, during, and at the end of the study. The total duration of your involvement will be over several weeks. You might also be asked to take part in group discussions to share your experiences.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of LeicesterVerified postcodeLeicester, United Kingdom
Common questions
Who is running this study?
This study is being run by researchers who are looking at new ways to help young people with asthma.
Will I have to stop my current asthma medicine?
No, you will continue with your usual asthma treatment and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
What kind of exercise will I do?
If you are in the exercise group, you will take part in three planned exercise sessions each week designed to be safe for young people with asthma.
What if I don't like the group I'm in?
The groups are chosen randomly by a computer. While you can't choose your group, you can still withdraw from the study at any time.
How long will the study last for me?
The study will involve several weeks of participation, including initial assessments, the programme itself, and follow-up checks.
How to find out more
Naomi Dayman
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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