TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Lodoli, Chiara
AU  -  Appodia, Massimiliano
AU  -  Pezzano, Antonio
AU  -  Tancredi, Giancarlo
AU  -  Turchetta, Attilio
AU  -  Casasco, Maurizio
AU  -  La Grutta, Stefania
T1  -  Physical activity and pulmonary assessment for sports eligibility in the paediatric population: a multidisciplinary Italian model
PY  -  2025
Y1  -  2025-09-01
JO  -  Medicina dello Sport
JA  -  Med Sport
VL  -  78
IS  -  4
SP  -  315
EP  -  322
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  1827-1863
Y2  -  2026/04/28
N2  -  Summary. Background. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), including asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), Pneumothorax and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) represent major contributors to morbidity and functional impairment in the paediatric population. However, emerging evidence increasingly challenges this paradigm. The present synthesizes current research demonstrating that structured, individualized, and professionally exercise programs can play a beneficial role in disease management. Specifically, tailored physical activity has been shown to support symptom control, enhance pulmonary function, and promote overall quality of life in affected children. Methods. The document integrates international scientific literature from European Respiratory Society (ERS), Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) with Italian legislation (Ministerial Decree 18 February 1982 and 24 April 2013, as subsequently amended) and FMSI/SIMRI position paper. A two-tier model for respiratory evaluation (first- and second-level assessments) is proposed. Results. Physical exercise constituted an important therapeutic element in the management of asthma, CF, and BPD. The use of standardized assessment tools, such as spirometry, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) facilitates the development of individualized and safe exercise programs for paediatric patients. In Italy, national legislation ensures free pre-participation medical evaluation for all minors, thereby strengthening the role of systematic screening as a form of preventive medicine and supporting the safe integration of physical activity into clinical care. Conclusions. Physical activity is no longer regarded as a contraindication but rather as a fundamental therapeutic component in the management of paediatric respiratory diseases. The proposed framework integrates contemporary clinical evidence, comprehensive functional assessment, and relevant regulatory considerations into a unified, evidence-based model designed to support safe, effective and inclusive sports participation in sports for children with CRD.
ER  -