Effects Of Different Conditioning Programs On Quality Of Life In Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

PURPOSE Positive effects of physical conditioning in cystic fibrosis (CF) have been reported for quality of life (QoL) in addition to fitness and lung functions. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of different modes of training on QoL in CF. METHODS 64 CF-patients (age 12–40 yr., FEV1 > 35 %predicted) were randomized into 5 groups: Germany: unsupervised home-based training, 3 hours per week, free choice of training mode and means (UT, n=19) and controls (CON1, n=12); Switzerland: aerobic training (AT, n=13) or weight training (WT, n=11) in a fitness center, 3 ± 30 min per week, or controls (CON2, n=9). Subjects in the training groups were asked to train for 6 months. At study entry and after 3 and 6 months, QoL was assessed by questionnaire and maximal physical working capacity (PWC, %predicted) was determined during cycle ergometry (Godfrey protocol). Changes from baseline values were calculated and ANOVA for repeated measures was used to test for differences among groups. RESULTS Weight training resulted in a significant decrease in QoL (generic dimension) at 3 and 6 months compared with the other training modes and the controls. There was no significant difference in QoL between AT or UT and controls during the program. However, there was a positive correlation between the change in PWC and the change in QoL (r=0.32, p<0.05) in the entire sample. CONCLUSIONS Physical training may not always result in an increase in QoL in CF, possibly due to tiredness associated with exercise. Positive effects on QoL are associated with an increass in aerobic fitness. Supported by Mukoviszidose e.V. and the Swiss CF foundation