Exercise and Cystic Fibrosis

In brief: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are likely to be less fit than their normal peers, but most can exercise safely. Recent studies show that exercise programs can increase fitness and exercise tolerance. They can also increase the endurance of the respiratory muscles, although pulmonary function will not change. Exercise may be as beneficial as traditional chest physical therapy and postural drainage for getting mucus up from the lungs, but the authors recommend that patients continue therapy until this is confirmed. Because CF patients lose significantly more salt in their sweat than normal people, the authors recommend ample water intake and free access to the salt shaker.