Physical Activity and Quality of Life among Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Physical activity (PA) improves exercise capacity, slows the decline in lung function, and enhances Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF).

The study aimed to evaluate PA and QoL among children with CF compared to healthy controls; the secondary aim was to assess the correlation between PA, QoL, and lung function (FEV1).

Forty-five children and adolescents with CF and 45 age-matched controls completed two self-administered validated questionnaires: The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and the DISABKIDS for QoL. Moreover, pwCF performed spirometry and multiple breath washout tests (MBW). In addition, weight, height, and BMI were recorded. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire was used to evaluate physical activity; QOL was assessed using the DISABKIDS Questionnaire. The correlation of PA with QOL was assessed as well.

Mean age of the CF population was 13.22 (±4.6) years, mean BMI 19.58 (±4.1) kg/m², mean FEV1% 91.15 ± 20.46%, and mean LCI 10.68 ± 4.08. 68% of the CF group were active, 27% were medium active, 5% were sedentary, while 83% of the control group were active and 17% were medium active. PwCF with higher PA scores showed significantly higher emotional health (r²: 0.414, p: 0.006) and total QOL score (r²: 0.372; p: 0.014). The PA score showed no significant correlation with FEV1% or LCI.

The children with CF showed satisfactory PA levels, which positively correlated to their QoL. More research is needed on the effect of increased levels of habitual physical activity to establish the decline in pulmonary function among pwCF.