Original Article
Exercise improves lung function and habitual activity in children with cystic fibrosis

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2011.08.003Get rights and content
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Abstract

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease leads to progressive deterioration in exercise capacity. Because physical activity has been shown to improve lung function and quality of life (QoL), developing routine exercise programs can benefit this patient population.

Methods

Lung function, nutritional status, and exercise capacity and assessments of habitual activity and QoL were measured before and after a two-month, subject-designed exercise regimen based on self-reported activity assessment. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed-rank, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

Subjects completing the study demonstrated significant improvement in exercise capacity and body image perception, a CF-specific QoL measure (p < 0.001). In secondary analyses, subjects improving exercise capacity showed significant increases in lung function and self-reported habitual activity.

Conclusions

Increases in exercise capacity over a two-month period resulted in significantly improved lung function and self-reported habitual activity. Longer, controlled trials are needed to develop individualized exercise recommendations.

Abbreviations

BMI
body mass index
CF
cystic fibrosis
FEV1
forced expiratory volume in 1 second
HAES
habitual activity estimation scale
MSWT
modified shuttle walk test
QoL
quality of life.

Keywords

Exercise
Lung function
Quality of life
Habitual activity
Cystic fibrosis

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