The effect of a comprehensive, intensive inpatient treatment program on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to measure the effects of a 10- to 14-day comprehensive, intensive hospital treatment program on peak exercise capacity, endurance capacity, respiratory function, weight change, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures in patients with cystic fibrosis with a pulmonary exacerbation.


METHODS
Fourteen young adults with cystic fibrosis admitted to a hospital for an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease were studied.


METHODS
Subjects performed pulmonary function tests, inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure tests, and stationary bicycle exercise tests at admission and discharge. Comprehensive therapy provided during the hospital admission consisted of intravenous antibiotics, physical therapy, high-calorie diet, and daily medical review.


RESULTS
The patients showed improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (46%-55% of predicted values) and forced vital capacity (62%-68% of predicted values). Maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures also improved (118%-131% and 78%-92% of predicted values, respectively). There was a mean weight gain of 2 kg. Maximum work capacity on a bicycle ergometer improved from a mean of 45% to 52% of predicted values. The most impressive result was the marked increase in exercise endurance time from a mean of 9.5 minutes on admission to 16.6 minutes at discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that young adults with cystic fibrosis and an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease obtain measurable benefits from a comprehensive, intensive treatment program, particularly improvement in their capacity for endurance exercise.
Alison
J A
JA
Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Donnelly
P M
PM
Lennon
M
M
Parker
S
S
Torzillo
P
P
Mellis
C
C
Bye
P T
PT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010808:Physical Examination; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents