Exercise and Cystic Fibrosis

Exercise is known to have positive effects on many of the major organ systems within the human body, especially the heart and lungs. Indeed, there are medical concerns that must be addressed before an individual starts an exercise program. Exercise under medical supervision can be safe for any individual no matter what the condition.

The patient with CF is no exception.

Exercise has become exceedingly popular over the past few decades. Sense of well-being, self esteem, and overall conditioning are just a few of the benefits for people who exercise regularly. Individuals with CF are also capable of achieving these benefits. Exercise, when done in the right amount, the right intensity, and with the proper safety precautions, can be fun and beneficial for nearly everyone including children and adults with CF.

Canny and Levison (1987) have suggested that "the unrelenting pulmonary deterioration that occurs in most individuals with CF may be attenuated by exercise training. Continued participation in an exercise program should improve the long term prognosis for people with CF."

Nixon (1992) suggests that most fit individuals with CF are more than three times as likely to survive the next eight years than the least fit. Whether a cause and effect relationship exists between exercise and survival is still unclear. In any event, we believe that the majority of people with CF will benefit from an exercise program by increasing exercise tolerance and muscle endurance.

Potential Benefits of Regular Exercise:

• Enhancement of mucus clearance.
• Improvement of cardiopulmonary health.
• Promotion of emotional well being.
• Reduction of morbidity and complications related to CF.