Exercise as it relates to Disease/Exercise effects on Cystic Fibrosis
Effect of Exercise as Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis (CF)[edit | edit source]
Brief Background
Common autosomal genetic disease [1] causing problems in the respiratory and digestive systems. It is caused by a mutation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulatory (CFTR) gene in the exocrine.[2]
Explanation/Diagnosis of CF
Diagnosis [1] usually occurs during early childhood and two main criteria used to diagnose CF include:
- Genetic Testing (prenatal or early childhood)
- Sweat Test (sodium chloride levels)
To help confirm the clinical diagnosis,[2] medical specialists will look for the following symptoms:
- Chronic cough
- Trouble breathing
- Repeated chest infections
- Poor weight gain
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Salty sweat
Treatment
Exercise [3] as treatment for CF patients in conjuction with more traditional treatments has been found to have positive effects, including:
- Increased exercise capacity [4]
- Improved cardiorespiratory fitness
- Improved pulmonary function
Treating CF through the use of medications is one of the more traditional methods to limit or inhibit the symptoms of CF. Azithromycin [5] and tobramycin [6] are two significant antibiotics that are beneficial towards treating CF.
- Azithromycin (prevents bacteria growth)
- Tobramycin (inhibits mRNA translation)
However, side effects [5][6] of these medications can include:
- Hearing Loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Chest Physiotherapy [7] administered by a parent, partner or physiotherapist following exercise has also been found to be beneficial towards inhibiting the symptoms associated with CF.
Recommendations
- CF patients should consult their general practitioner before starting an exercise program and from there can create a schedule suited to themself.[8]
- A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise should be performed 3-4 times a week in whatever physical activity the patient feels comfortable with.
Further Reading
- Cystic Fibrosis Australia [9]
Reference List
- ↑ a b Stuhrmann, M., et al., (2000)Mutation screening for prental and presymtomatic diagnosis: Cystic fibrosis and Haemochromatosis, Eur J Pediatr, 159(3), 186-191.
- ↑ a b Farjadian, S., et al., (2013) Clinical and genetic features in patients with cystic fibrosis in south western Iran, Short communication 23(2) pp212-215
- ↑ Orenstein, D., et al., (1981) Exercise coniditoning and cardiopulmonary fitness in cystic fibrosis: The effects of a three month supervised running program, Clinical investigations, 80(4), 392-398
- ↑ Enright, S., et al., (2004) Inspiratory muscle training improves lung function and exercise capacity in adults with cystic fibrosis, Chest journal, 126(2), 406-411
- ↑ a b Wolter, J., et al (2002) Effects of long term treatment with azithromycin on disease parameters in cystic fibrosis: A randomized trial, Thorax, 57(3), 212-216
- ↑ a b Gibson, R., et al., (2002) Significant microbiologic effect of inhaled tobramycin in young children with cystic fibrosis, American Thoracic Society, 44(3), 1-15
- ↑ Zach, M., et al., (1982) cystic fibrosis: Physical exercise vesus chest physiotherapy, Archives of disease in childhood, 57, 587-589
- ↑ Bradely, J., Moran, F., (2012) Physical training for cystic fibrosis, The Cochrane collaboration, 1, 2-56
- ↑ Cystic Fibrosis Federation Australia (2013), https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/