Abstract
Background: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a prevalent condition that is frequently underdiagnosed and affects athletic performance, even in subjects without a previous diagnosis of asthma. We hypothesized that the Cooper test could be useful for the routine detection of EIB in the school-age population.
Methods: Observational study that included students aged 11-17 who attend a private school in Lavallol, Buenos Aires. The Cooper test was performed in an outdoor setting, and spirometry was performed in each subject before and 10-30 minutes after running. EIB was diagnosed if there was a fall in FEV1 ≥ 10% from the pre-exercise level.
Results: 176 subjects were able to perform a spirometric maneuver and completed the Cooper test, and were included in the analysis. Of these, 45 (25.5%) met EIB criteria. Significant differences were found between the two groups for the presence of a previous diagnosis of asthma (5 vs 3, P=0.014), with a prevalence of EIB in asthmatic patients of 62.5%. No significant differences were found for the remaining variables (Table 1).
Conclusions: The Cooper test was able to detect EIB in a significant number of asymptomatic students. Most of the subjects did not have a known diagnosis of asthma. This test could be useful for the routine detection of EIB in schools.
- © 2014 ERS