The reaction time and exercise tolerance in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls

Abstract

Purpose: A good reaction time allows us to be agile and effective in responding to situations. The aim of this study was to reaction time and exercise tolerance between patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy subjects. Methods: Sixteen patients with CF (10.63±2.75 years) and 16 age-matched healthy controls (11.00±2.56 years) participated. 9Fitlight Trainer (TM)9 was used to evaluate the reaction time. The patient was asked to turn off a total of 29 led lights on the wall in a random order as quickly as possible. Total and average scores were determined in seconds. Exercise capacity was assessed by the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). Heart rate, oxygen saturation, dyspnea and fatigue perception using modified Borg Scale was recorded before and after the tests. Results: The reaction time of CF patients (165.38±17.89 sec) was significantly higher than healthy controls (154.31±6.63 sec) (p Conclusion: The reaction time is lower in patients with CF than controls. Increased reaction time is associated with decreased exercise capacity and oxygen saturation, increased dyspnea and fatigue perception during exercise in children with CF. The reaction time may provide an input for exercise programs aimed at improving the performance of patients with CF.