The Impact of Physical Activity on Clinical Outcomes in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review
Chiara Rosolia Capasso1, Antonio Luca Miniato1, Paola Di Filippo1
1Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini n°5, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
Insights
Physical exercise, including aerobic and strength training, enhances lung function and fitness in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Personalized, supervised programs are crucial for adherence and improved outcomes in pediatric CF patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disorder affecting lung function and increasing infection risk.
- Physical exercise is increasingly recognized for its benefits in pediatric CF patients.
- Exercise interventions aim to improve lung function, aerobic capacity, and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of physical exercise interventions on pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.
- To synthesize evidence on exercise's effectiveness in improving key health outcomes.
- To identify optimal strategies for exercise program design and implementation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized clinical trials and observational studies.
- Literature search conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar over the past ten years.
- Inclusion criteria focused on pediatric CF patients (0-18 years) and physical exercise interventions.
Main Results:
- Combined aerobic and strength training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength without negatively impacting nutrition.
- High-Intensity Interval Training and Inspiratory Muscle Training show promise but require further research.
- Supervised and personalized exercise programs are essential for patient adherence and optimal results.
Conclusions:
- Future pediatric CF exercise programs should be personalized, technology-enhanced, and sustainable.
- Integrating wearable technology and adapting programs to individual needs can boost engagement.
- Parental involvement and consideration of CFTR modulator therapies are important for long-term success.
Background:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic genetic disease marked by progressive lung function decline and increased respiratory infections. Emerging evidence supports the role of physical exercise in improving lung function, aerobic capacity, and quality of life in pediatric CF patients.
Methods:
We reviewed randomized clinical trials and observational studies from the last ten years, sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar. Included studies involved children and adolescents (0-18 years) with CF and assessed physical exercise as a primary intervention to improve lung function, aerobic fitness, quality of life, or hospitalization rates.
Results:
Aerobic training, particularly when combined with strength training, improves cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength without compromising nutritional status. High-Intensity Interval Training and Inspiratory Muscle Training show potential but need further validation. Supervised, personalized exercise programs are key to promoting adherence and optimizing outcomes.
Conclusions:
Exercise-based interventions in pediatric CF should evolve toward personalized, technology-enhanced, and sustainable models. Integrating wearable devices, adapting programs to individual needs, and leveraging early parental involvement may enhance engagement and outcomes, especially in the era of CFTR modulator therapies.
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