Lower physical activity levels in youth with Cystic Fibrosis compared to healthy controls: a multicentre comparative study

Abstract

BackgroundRegular physical activity (PA) offers significant health benefits on both short (i.e., emotional well-being) and long term (i.e., fewer hospitalizations) in Youth with Cystic Fibrosis (YwCF). Regardless, evidence on PA levels in YwCF compared to healthy controls (HC) is inconsistent. Additionally, PA is a multidimensional outcome influenced by several factors such as Quadriceps strength and functional performance. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether PA, Quadriceps strength and functional performance differ between YwCF and HC across different age groups (i.e., children and adolescents). MethodsYwCF aged 6-17 from two Belgian CF centres and age- and sex-matched HC were recruited. PA was measured with an ActiGraph GT3X+BT during 7 consecutive days. Isometric Quadriceps strength was assessed with a Hand Held Dynamometer and functional performance with a sit-to stand test (STS) and standing long jump (SLJ). ResultsA total of 49 YwCF (44% male; 11.3±3.3 years) and 49 HC (48% male; 11.9±3.5 years) were included. On average days, YwCF performed 4±6.4 minutes less light PA and 7.5±6.7 minutes less moderate-to-vigorous PA compared to HC (p=0.04; p=0.01). The differences in moderate-to-vigorous PA seem more pronounced in children (6-11 years)(p=0.04). Furthermore, YwCF had similar Quadriceps strength to HC but had lower scores on the STS and SLJ (p=0.50, p=0.08; p=0.02). ConclusionsThis study shows lower PA levels and functional performance for YwCF, indicating that there is an urgent need for interventions promoting PA in YwCF. PA promotion will become increasingly important in the post modulator area to prevent health risks associated with low PA.