- lower lung function in males
- lower aerobic capacity in females
- same training effects were seen in males and females for peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate but not in peak work load
- individuals who were less fit at the start of the program showed the most improvement
The researchers concluded that fitness level and not lung function determined the improvements following the 6 week rehabilitation program.
Reference: Wolfgang Gruber, MSc, PhDa, David M. Orenstein, MDb, Klaus Michael Braumann, MDc, Karl Paul, MDd, Gerd Hüls, MDe Effects of an Exercise Program in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: Are There Differences between Females and Males? The Journal of Pediatrics Abstract September 2010 doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.07.033
3 comments:
This is useful information for professionals working with persons w/ CF. The design looks adequate for drawing the conclusions. However, how homogeneous the groups of subjects were is a possible confound. Sicker (less fit) subjects mixed with healthier children - well - not a gender based difference, eh?
Barbara
Well, the subjects were not all children to add to your questions. In addition, my hypothesis is that in general if a group of people undertake 6 weeks of an exercise regimen most likely the ones who are the least fit to start will show the most improvements. For example, if I am an avid runner, it may take months to shave off seconds on my time. If I am a new runner, I can shave minutes off in months of training.
I do find it interesting that there was no difference between males and females though.
You got me - I missed the top age of 43 in my morning rush to review. My bad. We agree on the not-amazing-4th-conclusion.
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