Physical activity and self treatment in cystic fibrosis

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood Vol. 61; no. 4; pp. 362 - 367
• Main Authors: Blomquist, M, Freyschuss, U, Wiman, L G, Strandvik, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 01.04.1986; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cystic Fibrosis - blood; Cystic Fibrosis - physiopathology; Cystic Fibrosis - therapy; Female; Gas exchange; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Lung - physiopathology; Male; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology; Oxygen - blood; Partial Pressure; Physical Exertion; Physical Therapy Modalities; Respiratory function; Self Care; Human; Physical exercise; Mucoviscidosis; Respiratory disease; Adolescent; Physiotherapy; Various treatments; Digestive diseases; Child; Pancreatic disease
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.61.4.362

A programme of increased physical activity and self treatment based on the forced expiration technique was introduced to 14 adolescent patients with cystic fibrosis, diagnosed since infancy or early childhood, who had gastrointestinal and pulmonary symptoms. Twelve patients who fulfilled the one year programme had unchanged clinical conditions, pulmonary function tests, and chest x ray films. There was a significant improvement in oxygen pressure correlated to the period of increased physical activity. Other blood gas variables, including pH, standard bicarbonate, and base excess, also indicated significant changes, mainly during exercise. The study shows that daily physical activity improves the pulmonary gas exchange and that self treatment combined with physical activity is as efficient as conventional physiotherapy.