[Experiences and effects with 6 years of judo training in ambulatory rehabilitation of bronchial asthma in childhood].

In view of backing up the potential for as normal a life as possible in the presence of chronic obstructive respiratory disease, quality rehabilitation concepts have for some ten years been discussed which recommend satisfactory levels of motor activity in particular during childhood and youth as a factor in stabilizing long-term health. A difficult prerequisite in this respect is choosing a sport adapted to the child's age and condition as well as providing adequate motivation, along with awareness of exercise- and training-induced stress and strain reactions. Several years of experience with Judo have shown that, in an ambulatory rehabilitation setting, the needs of schoolchildren with bronchial asthma too, may be answered by this competitive sport provided that several didactic and methodological premises are heeded. In light of its holistic educational approach and intermittent stress and strain profile, Judo is cut out for facilitating integration in the social community, hence contributing toward valuable personality characteristics and growth in a rehabilitative context in the face of the long-term course of the illness.