A randomized controlled trial of a 3-year home exercise program in cystic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a 3-year home exercise program on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in mildly to moderately impaired patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to assess whether regular aerobic exercise is a realistic treatment option.


METHODS
Seventy-two patients with CF (7-19 years) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, at a heart rate of approximately 150 beats/min, 3 times weekly) or a control group (usual physical activity participation). Pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, clinical status, hospitalizations, and compliance with therapy were monitored during scheduled visits to the hospital's CF clinic.


RESULTS
Sixty-five patients were included in the analyses. The control group demonstrated a greater annual decline in percent of predicted forced vital capacity compared with the exercise group (mean slope +/- SD, -2.42 +/- 4.15 vs -0.25 +/- 2.81; P =.02), with a similar trend for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (-3.47 +/- 4.93 vs -1.46 +/- 3. 55; P =.07). Patients remained compliant with the exercise program over the study period. An improved sense of well-being was reported with exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary function declined more slowly in the exercise group than in the control group, suggesting a benefit for patients with CF participating in regular aerobic exercise. Consistent compliance with the home exercise program and a self-reported positive attitude toward exercise provide further evidence of the feasibility and value of including an aerobic exercise program in the conventional treatment regimen of patients with CF.
Schneiderman-Walker
J
J
Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Departments of Paediatrics and Public Health Sciences, The University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Pollock
S L
SL
Corey
M
M
Wilkes
D D
DD
Canny
G J
GJ
Pedder
L
L
Reisman
J J
JJ
D000293:Adolescent; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors