WS14.4 Does exercise participation affect FEV1 and the number of IV antibiotic days over 5 years in adults with CF?

Abstract

Objectives Exercise participation is important in the treatment of people with CF (PWCF) and is part of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in CF, Standards of Care 2011. The importance of exercise is widely recognised in health and disease. Not all PWCF are able to include exercise in their treatment regime due to lifestyle, personal choice or other factors. In this pilot study we aim to determine the impact of exercise on FEV 1 over time and the number of intravenous (IV) antibiotic days, for a sample of the Wessex CF service. Methods Data was retrospectively taken from the notes of 24 PWCF over a 5 year period. 12 were people identified as regularly taking part in moderate–intense exercise (group 1) compared to 12 patients who do not (group 2). Best FEV 1 was recorded for 2010 and 2014 along with number of IV days. Results The characteristics of the groups were similar [male/female 8/4 vs 8/4; mean age 30.83 (SD 6.13) and 30.33 (SD 8.51); mean lung function 3.05 L (SD 1.05) and 2.5 L (SD 1.14) respectively]. There was no difference in change in FEV1 from 2010 to 2014 between the two groups ( p = 0.74). However there was a difference between the days of IV's required each year to maintain this between the groups [mean 109 days/year (SD 72.49) as opposed to 238.6 (SD 119.71), p = 0.007]. Conclusion There was a small but insignificant decline in FEV 1 in both groups over 5 years. However, considerably more days of IV antibiotics were required to achieve this in those who exercised less often. Further study is required to analyse these findings in more detail due to the limitations of this initial design.