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Table 3 Knowledge about evidence of beneficial effects of physical activity for various conditions

From: A World Allergy Organization international survey on physical activity as a treatment option for asthma and allergies

Statement regarding condition

Strong evidence

Some evidence

No evidence

Did not know

n (%)

n (%)

n (%)

n (%)

Improves the strength of bones and muscles

225 (80.4)

49 (17.5)

2 (0.7)

4 (1.4)

Improves psychological well-being

212 (75.7)

64 (22.9)

3 (1.1)

1 (0.4)

Helps in weight control

224 (80.0)

52 (18.6)

2 (0.7)

2 (0.7)

Reduces death from ischemic heart disease

156 (55.7)

106 (37.9)

9 (3.2)

9 (3.2)

Reduces the risk of hypertension

156 (55.7)

108 (38.6)

9 (3.2.)

7 (2.5)

Reduces premature death

96 (34.3)

129 (46.1)

23 (8.2)

32 (11.4)

Reduces blood pressure in known hypertensive

133 (47.5)

113 (47.5)

17 (6.1)

15 (5.4)

Reduces the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

153 (54.6)

96 (34.3)

16 (5.7)

14 (5.0)

Reduces the risk of breast cancer

31 (11.1)

91 (32.5)

78 (27.9)

80 (28.6)

Reduces asthma risk

34 (12.1)

134 (47.9)

70 (25.0)

42 (15)

Improves asthma control

87 (31.1)

152 (54.3)

22 (7.9)

19 (6.8)

Reduces allergic rhinitis incidence

17 (6.1)

68 (24.3)

129 (46.1)

66 (23.6)

Improves allergic rhinitis control

28 (10)

85 (30.4)

108 (38.6)

59 (21.1)