Diagnostic+and+Assessment+Strategies


 * Mark Gruntz**


 * Specificity of Exercise in Exercise-induced Asthma**


 * K.D. Fitch, A. R. Morton**

http://www.bmj.com/content/4/5787/577.full.pdf

This article studied and tested students with asthma in 3 different areas of physical exercise: running, cycling, and swimming. What they found is that exercise-induced asthma is much less likely to happen with students participate in a swimming exercise when compared to a running or cycling exercise. This information, as well as other information provided in the article has helped me come to these bullet point steps that I would take when coming up with diagnostic and assessments with students with asthma when pertaining to the physical education class:

- I would take a look at the student’s medical records - I would ask the parents what the students physical capabilities are - I would ask the student what his or her physical capabilities are - I would put the student through a series of physical tests where I monitor the student extremely closely and look for any signs of difficultly in breathing (other than from being physically tired) where an asthma attack may occur - I would slowly assess the students physically abilities by slowly building up the physical intensity and would be sure to scaffold the physical fitness tests he would be required to do - I would incorporate a swimming unit and assessment for this student. - I would always maintain visual contact with the student just incase an asthma attack were to occur.

The purpose of these bullet points are to help me better understand the student's ability to safely perform physical exercises as well as to improve on the students ability to succeed in physical participation while overcoming his or her asthma. The objective is to better help every student with asthma participate in physical activities that promote and maintain a healthy and physically active lifestyle.