School environment associates with lung function and autonomic nervous system activity in children: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: Children are in contact with local environments, which may affect respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitization. We aimed to assess the effect of the environment and the walkability surrounding schools on lung function, airway inflammation and autonomic nervous system activity. Data on 701 children from 20 primary schools were analysed. Lung function, airway inflammation and pH from exhaled breath condensate were measured. Pupillometry was performed to evaluate autonomic activity. Land use composition and walkability index were quantified within a 500 m buffer zone around schools. The proportion of effects explained by the school environment was measured by mixed-effect models. We found that green school areas tended to be associated with higher lung volumes (FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75%) com

SUBMITTER: Paciencia I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6805928 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature