Exercise and Cystic Fibrosis

A small study from John Hopkins indicates that prescribing an individualized exercise program to children with cystic fibrosis improved lung function. Fifty eight children ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old received individualized exercise programs such as taking a stroll or playing the Wii. After two months of following the exercise regimen exercise tolerance increased. The children also exhibited small changes in pulmonary function tests and improved self image.

Reference: Ekaterina Pesheva. Simple Exercise Improves Lung Function in Children with CF. Retrieved from the web on 5/9/2011 at http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Simple-Exercise-Improves-Lung-Function-in-Children-with-CF.aspx

Exercise Programs in Males Versus Females with Cystic Fibrosis

An interesting study was published in The Journal of Pediatrics comparing the fitness levels of males and females with cystic fibrosis. A 6 week inpatient rehabilitation program was conducted with 158 females and 186 males subjects (ages 12-43 years) with cystic fibrosis. Lung function, peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, and peak heart rate were measured. The results indicated the following:

• 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

PT Education and Cystic Fibrosis

A recent article in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis reports that physical therapy education was very stressful for parents of toddlers with cystic fibrosis. The parents reported "psychological distress" from PT education. There were three factors that influenced the parents education: large volumes of information, educational resources and timing of education. The researchers recommend specific development of educational resources for parents.

Although this article only pertains to toddlers with cystic fibrosis, therapists should keep in mind the amount of information that we offer to parents during treatment sessions or consultations. Is the information clear and easy to understand? Can the recommendations be carried out during the course of a regular day? Is there so much information that the parents is under "distress"?

Reference: Claire J. Tipping, Rebecca L. Scholes, Narelle S. Coxb. A qualitative study of physiotherapy education for parents of toddlers with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 205-211 (May 2010)