Physical training for cystic fibrosis.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Physical training is a common component of care for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
• The role of exercise in managing CF requires ongoing investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed physical training in improving physiological and clinical outcomes for individuals with cystic fibrosis.
• To compare outcomes of CF patients undergoing physical training versus those receiving no training.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing physical training to no training in cystic fibrosis patients.
• Searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group trials register up to August 2001.
• Six trials involving 184 patients met inclusion criteria; data were independently selected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Physical training improved short-term exercise tolerance during acute admissions.
• No improvement in exercise tolerance was observed at the end of a three-year study.
• A significantly slower annual decline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was noted in the exercise group over three years compared to controls.
• Other lung function parameters showed a positive trend but lacked statistical significance.

Conclusions:

• Evidence on the efficacy of physical training in cystic fibrosis is limited by trial size, duration, and reporting quality.
• Current evidence does not support discouraging physical training as part of CF care.
• Further research is necessary to fully determine the net benefits of physical training for cystic fibrosis patients.