Research

Art therapy has been used to help children cope with chronic illnesses but has not been tested with children who have asthma. In this randomized controlled trial with 22 children with asthma, the active art therapy group participated in 60-minute art therapy sessions once a week for 7 weeks. Sessions were designed for expression, discussion, and problem-solving in response to the emotional burden of chronic illness. Children were scored for problem-solving skills, communication, quality of life, and anxiety. The study concluded that children with asthma have decreased anxiety and increased quality of life. 

T1 diabetes - a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hyperglycemia (due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells). Some studies found that exposure to foreign proteins found in meat and dairy products during early infancy may increase the risk of beta-cell immunity and type 1 diabetes in susceptible individuals. 

Case study 1: 25 y/o male experiencing acute polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss - diagnosed with T1 diabetes 

• HbA1c level 6.2% in December 2012 
• 2013 - changed diet by eliminating animal-derived products and processed foods. Doing so has kept his insulin requirements and his weight stable. 
• HbA1c levels have been ranging between 5.5% - 5.8% in the last 2 years 
• Conclusion: reduction in HbA1c may decrease risks of myocardial infarctions and cardiovascular disease by 6% and 4.4-6% 

Case study 2: February 2018 - 17 y/o female diagnosed with T1 diabetes 

• To improve her glycemic control, eliminated meat, dairy products, and egg products 
• Results: HbA1c levels decreased from 5.6% (as of February 2018) to 5.4% (as of January 2019) 

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Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Plant-based diets reduce cardiovascular risk factors, namely body weight, blood lipid concentrations, and blood pressure. Meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials - vegetarian diets were consistently associated with weight loss and plant-based diets reduced total and LDL-cholesterol by 12.5 mg/dL and 12.2 mg/dL. Diabetic neuropathy increases the risk of amputations and cardiovascular disease 

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20-week controlled pilot study - improvement in diabetic neuropathy in response to a low-fat plant-based diet (foot pain improved)

• Plant-based diets shown to reverse atherosclerosis in clinical trials when combined with exercise and stress management 
• Plant-based diets are associated with a 40% reduced risk of coronary heart disease events and a 29% reduction in cerebral vascular disease events 

• Reduce health care costs, especially those related to insulin, hospital admissions, and medical bills.

Vegetarian/vegan diets meet protein requirements with legumes and soy. Iron intake is similar, but lower serum ferritin is advantageous. Vegans need iodine sources to avoid iron deficiency. Zinc intake is mostly normal for vegetarians. Calcium and vitamin D intake may vary. Vitamin B-12 must be supplemented for vegans. Plant-based diets linked to lower BMI. Vegans show improved heart health, reduced diabetes risk, and lower cancer incidence. Processed red meat increases colorectal cancer risk. Bone density differences are insignificant. Vegetarian diets have lower environmental impact than meat-based diets. Replacing beef with beans reduces environmental footprint. Animal farms contribute significantly to water pollution.

WHO recommends over 400g of combined fruits and vegetables daily for T2 diabetes prevention. Green leafy vegetables (GLV) are suggested for their possible beneficial effect. Fruit intake is linked to lower diabetes risk, though not total intake. GLV increase could lower risk. Fiber-rich fruits/vegetables enhance insulin sensitivity, while antioxidants and magnesium in them protect against diabetes. Low energy density and fullness-inducing properties of fruits/vegetables prevent overeating and contribute to diabetes risk reduction.

Plasma vitamin C and carotenoids serve as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake. Meta-analysis reveals a positive link between intake and biomarker concentrations. UK study found higher plasma vitamin C associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk. Higher fruit/vegetable intake corresponds to higher biomarker levels. Increased intake reduces T2 diabetes risk by regulating weight, glucose-insulin balance, inflammation, and gut microbiota, regardless of recommended thresholds or supplement use.

A study of 404 vegetarian children aged 4 months to 10 years living in The Farm community showed slightly lower weight for age data compared to reference population, with greater differences in height for age between 1-3 years. Vegan children's growth was similar to the reference population. In adult vegetarians, no significant differences were found in height and weight compared to control subjects. The growth of The Farm children, while somewhat lower than the reference population, did not display significant abnormalities.

Acne, a common inflammatory skin disease, is influenced by sebum production driven by insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and androgens. Dairy intake, especially milk and cheese, is associated with higher odds of acne due to IGF-1 promotion. Acne prevalence varies by country, age, and obesity. A low-glycemic-load diet improves acne symptoms. Kitavan Islanders and Ache Hunter-Gatherers, who avoid dairy and high-glycemic foods, show no acne. Acne is linked to the modern mTORC1-driven diseases like obesity and insulin resistance.

Soy isoflavones stimulate bone formation and inhibit resorption, offering protection against estrogen-deficient states like postmenopausal bone loss. Isoflavones improve BMD in lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck. Intake benefits normal weight subjects, compensating for lack of protection from extra weight. In overweight individuals, isoflavones reduce bone resorption. Duration of over a year can impact BMD. Less than 90 mg/day prevents resorption and improves lumbar spine and femoral neck. Higher doses also benefit hip and spine BMD. Soy intake and isoflavones are inversely linked to breast cancer risk, but caution is advised in high doses for those with a family history of breast cancer.

Early Western lifestyle exposure contributes to breast cancer. In Asian populations, higher soy intake is linked to lower risk. Studies indicate soy intake during adolescence reduces breast cancer risk. A population-based case-control study across ethnicities and centers found childhood soy intake decreases breast cancer risk. High estrogen levels elevate postmenopausal risk. Childhood overweight/obesity reduces premenopausal risk. Early-life soy intake may protect against breast cancer due to weak estrogenic effects. Animal models suggest early phytoestrogen exposure reduces tumors. Prepubertal rat study linked soy's genistein to up-regulated tumor suppressor gene BRCA1.

The hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp method is used to measure insulin sensitivity. A meta-analysis comparing T1 diabetes patients and controls using this method showed insulin resistance in T1 diabetes involving hepatic, peripheral, and adipose tissues. Certain drugs, like beta blockers and calcium channel antagonists, decrease insulin sensitivity. Interventions like low-fat diets improved peripheral insulin sensitivity (30%), while exercise programs enhanced it by 23% in adolescents with T1 diabetes. Sleep deprivation can temporarily increase insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in T1 diabetes isn't fixed; factors like BMI and intensive insulin treatment play roles. Hyperglycemia contributes to insulin resistance. 

A meta-analysis of 43 observational studies provides weak support for the protective effect of breastfeeding against Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite increased breastfeeding rates from the 1970s to the 1990s, especially in Sweden and Finland, T1D incidence rose steeply. The prevalence of antibodies against cows' milk proteins increased in newly diagnosed diabetic children. Experimental animal studies suggested avoiding cows' milk proteins could prevent autoimmune diabetes. However, the Trial to Reduce Insulin dependent diabetes in the Genetically at Risk international study involving 2000 infants with T1D risk found no difference in T1D prevention between those given hydrolyzed formula or cows' milk-based formula after breastfeeding.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) stems from hepatic triglyceride accumulation, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress (OS). Vegetarian diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds reduce OS and NAFLD risk. Chinese and US studies highlight vegetarian diets' association with lower odds of fatty liver. The US study identifies that higher plant-based diet scores correlate with age, education, and healthy lifestyle factors. Unhealthy plant-based diet scores are linked to younger age, higher adiposity, and unfavorable liver function. Vegetable and fruit intake is associated with reduced NAFLD risk, while energy-dense diets contribute to NAFLD. Plant foods' fiber and low-calorie content aid weight management, and healthy plant-based diets promote a gut environment beneficial for metabolizing fiber and polyphenols.

Blue Zones are regions where people reach age 100 at rates 10 times higher than in the US, embodying the Power 9 principles: moving naturally, having purpose, downshifting stress, following the 80% rule, adopting a plant-based diet, moderate alcohol intake, attending faith-based services, prioritizing loved ones, being part of supportive social circles, and creating a health-focused life radius. These practices have resulted in impressive outcomes, such as 30% reduced smoking rates and 14% lower BMI in Blue Zones expansion areas in Los Angeles, and an 8.8% reduction in smoking and a 10.5% increase in healthy eating in Iowa.

Vegetarian and vegan diets are linked to lower chronic disease risks in adults. Vegetarians had higher nutrient consumption except animal-related nutrients, consuming less saturated fat and more fiber, calcium, and magnesium than non-vegetarians. Both groups had similar energy, protein, and vitamin intakes, but exceeded sodium limits by 1000 g. Vegetarians' nutrient-rich diets, including important nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offer health benefits.

Excessive weight gain is linked to accelerated Type 1 diabetes (T1D) development, driven by insulin resistance associated with childhood obesity. Insulin resistance leads to increased antigen presentation and autoimmune damage. Strategies targeting insulin resistance and weight management should be integrated into treatment plans. Insulin resistance's role in cardiovascular disease development is evident, with studies indicating its connection to coronary artery disease. Metformin has shown promise in T1D management, reducing insulin doses, weight, and lipids. Clinical trials such as REMOVAL and studies by Liu et al. confirm metformin's positive impact on weight, insulin dose, cardiovascular markers, and potential to mitigate atherosclerosis. Burchardt et al.'s trial indicates metformin's potential in reducing cIMT progression in obese T1D individuals.

Soy-based infant formula (SIF) has higher P and Ca than cow's milk-based formula (CMF). Genistein concerns for development and health lack conclusive evidence. Improved SIF eliminated past negative Ca effects. Studies found no IQ, behavioral, or emotional differences between SIF and human milk (HM) fed children. Adult studies showed no educational differences. HM, CMF, and SIF-fed infants displayed similar developmental and immunological markers. SIF's higher aluminum posed no proven health issues. Thyroid function and menstrual cycle impacts were inconclusive. Overall, research suggests soy has no significant adverse effects on important human reproductive functions. 

Vegan diets showcase positive health effects according to data from 2,516 participants in Project EAT-II. The older cohort of vegetarians displayed lower BMI, reduced overweight/obesity rates, and a stronger link between vegetarianism and healthy weight. Younger vegetarians showed lower alcohol use, higher fruit/vegetable intake, and less fat in their diet. High water and fiber content in vegetarian diets contribute to obesity prevention. Obesity prevalence ranged from 0-6% among vegetarians and 5-45% among omnivores. Older vegetarians were more likely to report binge eating due to heightened food intake awareness. Overall, adolescent and young adult vegetarians benefit from increased fruit/vegetable intake and lower risk of being overweight, but may face heightened risk of disordered eating behaviors.

Vegan diets yield benefits like lower BMI, non-HDL cholesterol, and blood glucose, reducing risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancers. A study involving lifelong vegan participants showed no differences in growth parameters between vegan and omnivore groups, with higher fiber, folate, zinc, and iron intake in vegans. Serum markers exhibited no significant differences. However, low cholesterol from adult vegan diets could relate to positive cardiovascular effects but increased stroke risk. Part-time lacto-ovo-vegetarian consumption may reduce nutrient deficiency risks in children compared to strict vegan diets.

Infants and toddlers, with high iron needs and low iron-rich diets, face vulnerability to iron deficiency (ID). Their diet staples like breast milk, vegetables, fruits, and cow’s milk (CM) lack iron. US and UK studies since the 1970s have linked CM consumption to lower iron stores and increased ID risk, with 7.2% iron deficient and 2.3% with iron deficiency anemia at 12 months. Each month of CM intake raised ID risk by 39%. A study in Iceland revealed worse iron status in infants with higher CM consumption. CM's casein and calcium hinder iron availability, with CM absorption at 15.5% compared to 37.3% from human milk. Fortified CM counteracts CM's negative iron impact without affecting taste. High CM protein intake in infancy can have long-term adverse effects, linked to increased childhood adiposity. Studies associate high protein intake in infancy with higher weight, lasting through age 2.

Trimethylamine, derived from meat and dairy, converts to trimethylamine N-oxide in the liver, associated with heightened atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risks. Overweight individuals display lower microbial diversity, as seen in inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, eczema, coeliac disease, obesity, and arterial stiffness. Dietary fiber intake shapes gut microbiota, influencing health. Higher dietary fiber reduces insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and improves cardiometabolic parameters through probiotics. Low fiber intake decreases beneficial SCFAs, leading to unfavorable shifts in microbiota metabolism and detrimental metabolite production.

Postbiotics impact metabolism, with plant-based foods linking to SCFAs, phytoestrogens, and isothiocyanates, while TMAO and bile acids relate to meat-based diets. Higher vegetable intake reduces TMAO and cardiovascular risk. Microbiota diversity affects BMI, obesity, and arterial health. Plant-based diets boost microbial diversity; alpha-diversity associates with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Vegan diets lower weight, BMI, and inflammation. Balanced Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio aids weight loss. Bacteroidetes dominance signifies gut health. Indian-Chinese microbiome differences stem from animal product intake. Protective bacteria thrive in vegetarians/vegans, bolstered by plant foods. High animal protein diets reduce diversity, while pea protein enhances beneficial bacteria and reduces pathogens.

Cows' milk A1 beta-casein protein triggers Type 1 diabetes (T1D) rise by stimulating immune responses, as found by Padberg et al. Early exposure to A1 beta-casein increases T1D risk, while breastfeeding protects, especially if not supplemented with cow milk formula. Finnish study of 690 children (<15 y/o) showed double T1D risk with early bovine dairy protein introduction. Lamb et al.'s research linked cows' milk protein to T1D progression. A strong link exists between A1 beta-casein consumption and T1D incidence, highest in Finland and Sweden due to more consumption, and lowest in Venezuela and Japan with less.

The study aimed to evaluate the growth potential of a meat-free diet in children by comparing vegetarian and omnivorous children's growth patterns. Examining 1765 children aged 7-18, the research found that vegetarian Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) children were taller than meat-eating SDA children. Despite consuming more fiber and less energy, protein, zinc, and vitamin B12, the vegetarian children showed slightly greater height growth than omnivores. Other anthropometric variables remained similar, concluding that vegetarian diets sustain growth as effectively as meat-based diets in children.

A study examined infants consuming soy-based formula's impact on sex characteristic development. Following newborns (2004-2006) for milk allergy and formula intake until age 3, results found no significant differences in characteristics, nutrient intake, or energy between healthy controls and soy group (due to allergy). No substantial differences in pubertal parameters were observed between soy and cow-milk formula-fed infants. The study supports the safety of soy-based formula consumption during infancy regarding growth and pubertal onset timing.

High-carb, high plant fiber (HCF) diets reduce urinary glucose excretion and postprandial hyperglycemia. In a study, 20 lean men on insulin treatment experienced lowered insulin doses after 8 days on HCF diets. These diets also lowered fasting plasma glucose and post-meal glucose levels, with soluble fibers showing cholesterol-lowering effects by reducing serum cholesterol and stabilizing triglyceride levels. HCF diets were favoured for maturity-onset diabetes therapy. A practical variation with 55-60% carbs and 40-50g plant fiber maintained stability in insulin, glucose, and lipids for up to 3 years after hospital discharge.

A cross-sectional observational study published in 2006 investigated the relationship between primary headaches (i.e., migraine and tension-type headaches) and stress and school social support in early adolescents ages 11-15 years in Italy. In a self-administered questionnaire, the overall prevalence of frequent headaches (at least once a week) was 40.5%. Boys were found to be less at risk than girls and the prevalence increased with age. Moreover, school demands (positively) and teacher support (negatively) showed a significant association with the outcome of fewer primary headaches, highlighting the need to foster resilience in adolescents.

A cross-sectional population-based study published in 2012 assessed the possible association between headaches and specific habits and lifestyle factors. Participants were preadolescent and adolescent students aged 8-17 years from Italy. Based on a self-administered questionnaire, the study found a clear association between headaches and irregular intake of meals (especially irregular breakfast), and sleep disturbance. Thus, a correction of eating and sleeping behaviours could support the management of young patients with headaches in clinical practice.

A cross-sectional study published in 2015 investigated the association between childhood headaches and various factors such as leisure time activities, depression, anxiety, and eating habits. Participants were children between the ages of 9 and 18 years from the Spanish region of La Rioja. The study found that the prevalence of recurrent headaches was 39.4% and the prevalence of migraine was 10.3%. Subjects with migraine mostly preferred sedentary activities and less exercise in their leisure time, compared to the general population. The conclusion was that children should be directed to engage in more physical activity to manage childhood headaches.

A cross-sectional observational study published in 2013 investigated the association between physical activity levels and functional constipation in 165 preschool-aged children from the Netherlands. The study found that higher levels of physical activity in preschool-aged children were associated with a lower risk of functional constipation. Specifically, children who were more physically active had a 31% lower risk of functional constipation compared to children who were less active. The study also found that the relationship between physical activity and functional constipation was stronger in girls than in boys.

A randomized control trial study published in 2015 investigated the effectiveness of Iyengar yoga as a complementary therapy for adolescents and young adults between 14 and 26 years of age with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The intervention included 75-minute Iyengar yoga sessions twice per week for 6 weeks and included a variety of yoga postures including breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Relative to controls, adolescents (14–17 years) assigned to yoga reported significantly improved physical functioning, whereas young adults (18–26 years) assigned to yoga reported significantly improved IBS symptoms, global improvement, disability, psychological distress, sleep quality, and fatigue.

A randomized control study published in 2018 investigated the effectiveness of a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention. Participants were children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 3-58 years. The treatment began with administering a special vitamin/mineral supplement to participants, and additional treatments were added sequentially, including essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. The study concluded that there was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in participants who were given the dietary intervention (treatment group) compared to those that were not given the intervention (non-treatment group). The treatment group had significantly greater increases in carnitine, vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, and coenzyme Q10. 

The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health in the United States, for example, found that adolescents who reported feeling connected to home or school at ages 12-17 years were as much as 66% less likely to experience health risk behaviors related to sexual health, substance use, and violence and to have better mental health in adulthood than less connected peers. Compared with less connected peers, adolescents who are connected to at least one parent experience fewer emotional problems, fewer suicide attempts, less conduct disorder, better school performance, higher self-esteem, and less involvement in violence and substance use. But the evidence is equally clear that family stress (as measured by parental unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse) undercuts parent-adolescent connectedness. Indicators of parent-adolescent connectedness include parents’ knowledge of the child’s friends and their parents, engagement in their adolescent’s learning, knowing their teachers, and monitoring academic performance. In addition, in families where connectedness is high adolescents feel that they can talk with their parents about concerns, turn to them for advice, feel close with at least one parent, and feel that their parents care about and understand them

Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric conditions affecting adolescents and youth in the United States, with over 30% of adolescents having an anxiety disorder of any type. During the transitional period of adolescence, young people often experience higher stress levels. This article presents adequate coping strategies to deal with developmental challenges. Untreated anxiety can have a significant impact on the life of a child and can impact them into adulthood. This paper highlights integrative approaches such as mindfulness that can teach children to better manage symptoms of anxiety and build resilience throughout their lifetime. 

There is an increasing number of students both in elementary and secondary education suffering from anxiety and other stress-related disorders and illnesses. This narrative review summarizes evidence-based stress management techniques such as breathing practices or exercises, meditation, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, third-wave therapies, interpersonal therapies, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, biofeedback training, mindfulness, that is deemed to be effective to treat stress and a variety of stress-related disorders. 

A systematic review published in 2022 looks into 21 peer-reviewed randomized control trials that have investigated yoga as an intervention for improving mental health (anxiety, low mood, depression) in children. The population in the study included primary and secondary aged 5-16 years old. Yoga interventions included a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation or mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques. Various measurement tools of mental health outcomes were used including Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The review concluded that there are positive effects of school-based intervention and the evidence for yoga therapies is encouraging.

A randomized control trial study published in 2013 investigated the feasibility and efficacy of yoga as an add-on intervention for children ages 5-16 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The children underwent eight yoga sessions over the course of their inpatient stay, and it was found that rates using the ADHD-rating scale were significantly improved among the patients upon discharge. The study concluded that yoga is a feasible and safe add-on intervention for children with ADHD. 

A randomized controlled trial study published in 2017 investigated the feasibility of a family-based mindfulness intervention in 100 children ages 5-7 years with inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. The study uses a family-based mindfulness intervention (FBMI)  for 8 weeks to promote attention and mental health in children with ADHD and reduce parental stress. Families from the intervention group had greater improvements in children’s ADHD symptoms, with medium effect sizes of −0.60 for inattention and −0.59 for hyperactivity; overall behaviors; and parenting stress and well-being than those in the wait-list control group. The reduction of parental stress and increase in psychological well-being has demonstrated the value of mindfulness in enhancing parents’ self-management.

A clinical trial study published in 2022 investigated the impact of behavioral sleep intervention in 14 adolescents ages 13-17 years with ADHD.  The intervention used in the study was the cognitive-behavioral-based Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention for Youth (TranS-C), a behavioral sleep intervention. The study found that TranS-C was feasible, acceptable, and effective in improving sleep, mental health symptoms, and daily life executive functioning in adolescents with ADHD and co-occurring sleep problems. The intervention led to a reduction in the number of poor sleepers from 71.4% in pre-intervention to 21.4% and 28.6% in post-treatment and follow-up, respectively. The improvements were generally maintained at the 3-month follow-up, and a randomized controlled trial is needed to rigorously test the efficacy of TranS-C in this population.

A randomized controlled trial study published in 2021 investigated the effects of an 8-week intervention with the Mediterranean diet and/or omega-3 fatty acids on impulsiveness in children with ADHD. Participants included 60 students aged 6 to 16 years from the region of Madrid, Spain who were divided into 4 groups, with 1 control group and 3 intervention groups (Mediterranean diet; omega-3 supplementation; and Mediterranean diet plus omega-3 supplementation).  The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) was administered to determine the level of impulsiveness. A Mediterranean diet and an intake of 550 mg EPA fatty acid 225 mg DHA fatty acid per day for 8 weeks were associated with less marked impulsive behavior and improved BIS scores for children with ADHD. 

A randomized controlled trial study published in 2010 investigated the impact of exercise and methylphenidate on sustained attention in 25 males aged 7-15 years with ADHD. Significant improvements in response time, as well as a normalization in measures of impulsivity and vigilance among users and non-users of methylphenidate, were observed. Results suggest that children's attention deficits can be minimized through physical activity irrespective of treatment with methylphenidate.

An observational study published in 2011 investigated the association between physical education (PE) and symptoms of ADHD. The participants of the study were children and adolescents from the United States ages 6 to 17 years. The study found that children who participated in more frequent PE had fewer symptoms of ADHD, whereas children who participated in less frequent PE had more symptoms of ADHD.

Childhood asthma is a highly prevalent chronic illness and affects the lives of many families. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family empowerment program on the family function and pulmonary function of children with asthma compared to those receiving traditional self-management only. In this randomized control trial, 34 families in the experimental group received the family empowerment program consisting of four counseling dialogues with the child and their family. Families in the study were empowered by listening, dialogues, reflection, and taking action based on Freire’s empowerment theory. The study found that the family empowerment program decreased parental stress, increased family function, and allowed children to have better pulmonary expiratory flow. 

A randomized control study published in 2020 investigated the benefits of exercise training for asthma. The participants were children and adolescents ages 7 to 17 years old who had a confirmed diagnosis of asthma. The study was conducted for 12 weeks involving exercise training, which included aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching for 3 days a week for 60 minutes. Ventilatory threshold, peak oxygen consumption, and test duration presented greater improvements in the intervention group. Improvements were also observed in leg press, hamstring curl, high row, low row, and quadriceps leg extension.

Children with asthma, particularly those who are newly diagnosed or have poor disease control, may be less physically active than healthy children. If untreated, up to 90% of children with asthma will experience symptoms of asthma following vigourous physical activity. Increasing physical fitness may increase exercise tolerance. This study involves a 6-week exercise intervention with children aged 10-12 years to determine if increased physical activity may be beneficial for children with asthma. The participants participated in 60 minutes of active play exercise twice weekly. The study found that the average attendance rate was 90%, children reported increased health-related quality of life, and the children reported no limitations by asthma or serious asthma attacks. 

A cross-sectional study published in 2007 investigated the relationship between diet and asthma and allergies in children ages 7-18 who were living in Crete, Greece. The study found that the intake of grapes, oranges, apples, and fresh tomatoes had no association with atopy but was protective against wheezing and rhinitis. High consumption of nuts was found to be inversely associated with wheezing, whereas margarine increased the risk of both wheezing and allergic rhinitis. A high level of adherence to a Mediterranean diet (consisting of fruits, vegetables, bread, cereals, and legumes) was protective for allergic rhinitis. 

A cross-sectional study published in 1997 examined the relationship between fruit consumption and lung function in children. The participants were children ages 8-11 years old from England and Wales. The study found that forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was positively associated with the frequency of fresh fruit consumption. 

An observational study published in 2001 investigated the relationship between diet and the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema symptoms. The participants were children from 56 countries around the world who were 13–14 years of age. The study found that a diet high in fruits and vegetables was associated with a lower prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema symptoms, while a diet in fast food was associated with a higher prevalence of these symptoms. 

A randomized control trial study published in 2014 examined the beneficial effects of yoga on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) which is marked by narrowing of airways during or after exercise, causing difficulty in breathing. In the study, asthmatic children aged 6-17 years old attended one-hour yoga training sessions twice per week for 3 months, where they performed breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. The research team observed a significant improvement in maximum forced expiratory volume 1% (FEV_1%) fall following the yoga challenge. The study concluded that yoga can be a beneficial complementary therapy for children with asthma, especially when combined with medication.