Association Between Physical Activity Intensity and Allergies in Children: Insights from NHANES 2005-2006
Authors:   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Sandes Luiza , Baron Esparza Maria A. ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Langenegger Patricia ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Ristovski List Samuel ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Pinto-Colmenarez Rafael ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Perez Rivas Abril S. ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Tenorio Artur ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Caseli Camila Roberta ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Estrada Daniela ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Pires Deborah ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Acon Edgar ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Hernandez Faruk ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Pacheco Geronimo ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Gradim Fabbron Guilherme ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Silva Heberti ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Maia Salazar Hellen Rose ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Morales Ivan ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Gremaschi Lucas ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Rodrigues Neves Maira Fabiana ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Abthan Muhannad Abu ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Loyola Orlando ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Figueroa Paula ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Pham Phu ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Riera Ruben ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Bastos Tassia ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Schenker Timo ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Catapani Wilson ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Kamphuis Saskia J.M. ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
Published: January 2025

Background

Allergies are among the most prevalent global health conditions, affecting a growing proportion of children each year and imposing a burden to healthcare systems and families. The etiology of allergies involves complex interactions between genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, with potential contributions from modifiable factors like physical activity (PA). This study examined whether higher frequency and intensity of PA are associated with reduced allergy diagnoses in children. 

Methods

This study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 dataset. The sample included 2,196 children aged 2–11 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed the association between PA frequency and allergy diagnosis. All analyses were conducted using StataNow/BE version 18.5 software.

Results 

Among the 2,196 children analyzed, 19.85% had been diagnosed with allergies. The median frequency of vigorous PA was 7 times per week. Logistic regression analyses showed no significant association between physical activity frequency and allergy diagnosis (adjusted OR: 0.998, 95% CI: 0.971–1.026, p = 0.915). However, older age, race, and family income were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of allergies, while room humidity showed a small protective effect. 

Conclusion

These findings support that while physical activity does not significantly impact allergy diagnoses in children, other demographic and environmental factors have significant influence. Further research is needed to explore additional modifiable factors, such as dietary influences and specific environmental exposures, to better inform prevention strategies.