156 Exercise performance in children with mild cystic fibrosis (CF): Are there arguments to enhance physical activity?

Abstract

Objectives Physical activity is strongly recommended in children with CF to improve exercise capacity and quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate exercise performance and oxygen consumption in children with CF and mild respiratory involvement. Methods Children with mild CF (FEV1>60%) who where referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were enrolled. Maximal heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2max), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), VO2 at anaerobic threshold (AT) and HR at AT were analysed. Data were compared with a healthy control group. Results 20 CF patients (9 boys, 12.5±2.7 yrs, weight 47.1±11.2 kg, length 156.1±14.7cm) performed a CPET. FEV1 was 91.8±15.9%, not different from a normal population. They were compared with 60 healthy controls (30 boys, age 11.5±2.3 yrs, weight 43.6±12.4 kg, length 151.2±13.6cm). MaxHR was 180.7±13.7 bpm in CF and 185.2±12.7 in controls (P>0.05). RER at maximal exercise was 1.1±0.1 in CF versus 1±0.1(P Conclusion Children with mild CF have lower VO2max despite equal maximal load, test duration and HR. They reach AT at a lower HR and VO2, which highlights the impaired condition. We can conclude that it is important to stimulate physical activity in children with mild CF to improve VO2 during exercise.