Italian Pediatric Respiratory Society position paper on physical activity recommendations in pediatric patients affected by chronic respiratory diseases: an expert group statement

ABSTRACT

Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits in healthy individuals; therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends specific levels of PA across all age groups. However, disease-specific guidelines, particularly for pediatric populations, are still lacking. This gap also applies to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). Several studies have identified PA and exercise as an important therapeutic strategy for individuals with CRDs, highlighting their value alongside pharmacological therapy as part of personalized disease management plans. However, practical guidance regarding exercise prescription for pediatric patients with CRDs remains limited. The Italian Pediatric Respiratory Society/Società Italiana per le Malattie Respiratorie Infantili (IPRS/SIMRI) aims to provide a comprehensive review of the available literature on the role of PA and E in CRDs management and, consequently, to develop pragmatic recommendations to support the safe and effective implementation of exercise prescriptions in this special population.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Physical activity should be considered a core component of the multidisciplinary management of pediatric chronic respiratory diseases. This position paper provides pragmatic evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians in prescribing individualized and safe exercise programs aimed at improving functional capacity, quality of life, and long-term respiratory outcomes in children and adolescents with chronic respiratory conditions.

KEY WORDS

Physical activity; exercise; chronic diseases; respiratory diseases; children.