The aim of this study was analyze and compare the balance in children and teenagers with and without asthma. Twenty-four subjects aging between 7 and 14 years old took part in this study divided into two groups: asthmatic group and control group. To evaluate the balance one force plate was used. Opened and closed eyes conditions were evaluated in three trials of 30 seconds each. The results showed significant differences between groups in opened eyes condition, with higher amplitude of displacement in the anterior-posterior direction (COPap) (p = 0,04), and medio-lateral direction (COPml) (p = 0, 02) in the asthmatic group. Whereas in closed eyes condition the difference was significant only in the amplitude of displacement in the anterior-posterior direction (COPap) (p= 0,02) and Ellipse Area higher (p = 0,03) in the asthmatic group. Therefore, asthma with its limitations and consequences seems to have a negative effect on postural balance of their patients when compared with normal children of similar age.
Asthma; Postural Balance; Exercise
