Physical activity levels of children with cystic fibrosis and their parents: Pilot study

Abstract

Background and objectives: It is known that there is a relationship between physical activity (PA) levels of healthy children and their families. Parents who have a child with cystic fibrosis should have an important role in treatment. The aim of this study is to determine physical activity levels of children with cystic fibrosis and their families. Methods: The study was examined thirteen children with cystic fibrosis (6 girls, 7 boys) and their parents (11 mothers, 2 fathers). These children did not hospitalize the last six months. Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children was used to assess physical activity levels of children. And, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form was used to assess physical activity levels of parents. Results: Mean age of children is 11.5±2.2 years, and mean age of parents is 41.3±7.6 years. Body mass index (BMI) of children is 16.3±2.7 kg/m2, and BMI of parents is 25.3±4.1 kg/m2. According to PA levels of children, three of them are low and 10 of them are moderate. And, according to PA levels of parents, two of them are low, 9 of them are moderate and two of them are high. PA levels of children and parents are similar (p>0.05). Conclusions: Parents which have active role in treatment, increase effects of treatment. So that, parents should be included in PA training programme. Similarity of the PA levels of children with cystic fibrosis and parents is important. To interpret this similarity positively, this PA levels must be in moderate or higher level. PA training programmes can be organized to increase PA levels. Studies that have larger number subjects group and a comparison group needed for future researchs.