Association among posture, lung function and functional capacity in cystic fibrosis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlations within pulmonary function, functional capacity, and posture in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation between patient quality of life and postural assessment variables.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on fourteen patients with CF. Patients were subjected to a postural analysis (postural assessment software) and measurements of pulmonary function (spirometry, whole body plethysmography, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity) and functional capacity (6-min walking test). All patients completed the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R).

Most patients were male (57%), and the median age of the patients was 24.5 (22-34). The forced expiratory volume in one second, the 6-min walking distance, total lung capacity, and airway resistance were significantly correlated with the vertical alignment of the chest (ρ = -0.57, P < 0.05; ρ = -0.65, P < 0.01; ρ = 0.54, P < 0.05; and ρ = 0.67, P < 0.01, respectively). The 'physical' domain of the CFQ-R was significantly correlated with the vertical alignment of the chest (ρ = -0.74, P < 0.01), and the 'limitations' domain of the CFQ-R was significantly correlated with the angle of the hip (ρ = -0.55, P < 0.05).

The present study shows that abnormalities in pulmonary function and functional capacity are associated with postural changes in adults with CF. However the severity of the postural abnormalities does not negatively influence the CFQ-R domains.