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Cycle ergometer tests in children with cystic fibrosis: reliability and feasibility
Lisa Kent1, Brenda O'Neill, Gareth Davison
1Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, UK.
Insights
Cycle ergometer tests are reliable for measuring peak work capacity in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). While intermittent sprint tests showed less reliability, continuous incremental tests are feasible and safe for CF patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Clinical Trials in Cystic Fibrosis
Background:
- Cycle ergometry is a common method for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Limited data exists on the reliability and feasibility of these tests in pediatric populations with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Understanding test performance is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and feasibility of two cycle ergometer protocols in children with CF.
- To assess the acceptability of these tests among young CF patients.
- To establish performance benchmarks for future pediatric CF research.
Main Methods:
- Children with CF (aged 6-11 years) underwent two intermittent sprint and two continuous incremental cycle ergometry tests, one week apart.
- Reliability was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, with significance at P < 0.05 and acceptable coefficient of variation (CV) below 10%.
- Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through observation and participant feedback.
Main Results:
- Continuous incremental tests demonstrated reliable peak work capacity (P < 0.05, CV < 10%), alongside reliable heart rate and SpO2 measurements.
- Intermittent sprint tests showed significant bias (P < 0.05) and less reliable power measurements (CV 10-15%).
- All participants completed the tests, indicating good feasibility and safety, though test acceptability was mixed.
Conclusions:
- Continuous incremental cycle ergometry is a reliable and feasible method for assessing exercise capacity in children with CF.
- Intermittent sprint tests require further refinement for reliable peak power assessment in this population.
- These findings support the use of validated cycle ergometry protocols in pediatric CF care and research.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and feasibility of cycle ergometer tests in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Children with CF aged 6-11 years and with stable lung disease performed two cycle ergometry tests (intermittent sprint and continuous incremental) on two occasions 1 week apart. Reliability was assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Bias was considered to be significant at P < 0.05 level and a coefficient of variation (CV) below 10% was considered acceptable. Feasibility and acceptability data were also collected. Sixteen children with CF completed the study: (9M:7F), 8.7(1.8) years, FEV(1) %predicted: 88.1(17.4). Power measurements recorded during the intermittent sprint test demonstrated significant bias over days (P < 0.05) and CVs were between 10% and 15%. Peak work capacity recorded during the continuous incremental test was reliable (bias P < 0.05, CV < 10%), as was heart rate and SpO(2) recorded during both tests (bias P < 0.05, CV < 10%). No problems were experienced in administering the tests and all children completed both tests on two separate occasions. There was a mixed response to questions on acceptability of tests. This is the first study to provide information on the reliability of performance measures recorded during an intermittent sprint protocol (peak power) and a continuous incremental cycle ergometry (peak work capacity) in children with CF.
