Physical fitness in cystic fibrosis patients: What is the relation with airway obstruction?

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients improve aerobic capacity and pulmonary function, but the two factors that seem associated with survival in CF are resting pulmonary function and nutritional status.Is little known the relationship between airways obstruction and physical fitness.

Aim of the study: was to evaluate the influence of physical activity (hours/week) and airway obstruction on the aerobic capacity, exercise tolerance and ventilatory pattern in CF patients compared to a control group.

Material and methods: we enrolled 20 CF patients,mean age 13.8 ±2.4 divided in two Groups in relation to hours of physical activity: trained (T) ≥3 hours/week (n=12); untrained(U) <3 hours/week (n=10) and 18 healthy trained controls (C) matched for age.All underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and spirometry.

Results: the figure shows the mean values of all functional parameters measured.

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Conclusions: trained CF patients have a better BMI, aerobic capacity, ventilatory pattern (significative higher VE and VT and a lower RF) respect untrained FC. These data support the hypothesis that a poor physical activity can determine lower VO2 max and a worse ventilatory pattern in CF subjects. Safe exercise programs must be designed for CF patients and it should become an essential part of the treatment.