Resistance Exercise Combined with Growth Hormone Augments Growth Parameters in a Male Adolescent with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

In adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) the anabolic benefits of resistance exercise (RT) on skeletal muscle hypertrophy may synergize with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy exerting an effect greater than either alone. We present a male adolescent with CF taking rhGH, who began RT. During rhGH alone, weight, height and BMI increased 14, 12 and 10 centiles (21st, 21st, 26th), respectively. When combined with RT, BMI, height and weight rose to the 48%, 47%, and 41%, respectively. While a single experience, combining RT with rhGH treatment may promote overall health improvement beyond that expected in adolescent males with CF on rhGH.