WS14.6 Gender differences and exercise performance in adults with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Objectives In cystic fibrosis (CF) maximal oxygen uptake and maximal work rate measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are significant predictors of mortality. Several previous studies, predominantly of children with CF, showed gender differences in exercise capacity. To date, it has not been well established if these observations carry over into adulthood. Methods Thirty-four stable adults with CF (23 males, 11 females, mean±SD age 32.8±8.3 yrs; FEV 1 69±18 % predicted, BMI 22.6±2.6 kg/m 2 ) were studied. All patients undertook an incremental CPET on a cycle ergometer. CPET-related measurements included: oxygen uptake (V'O 2 ), carbon dioxide production (V'CO 2 ), ventilatory profile, heart rate (HR) and work rate (W) throughout exercise and peak. Results Males and females showed significant differences on peak exercise parameters. Exercise capacity was lower in CF females compared with males for VO 2, peak both expressed as ml/min (p peak for CF females was significantly lower compared with males (p = 0.0001). We found a relationship between FEV 1 and both VO 2, peak and W peak (R = 0.49 and R=0.50, p = 0.002) for both sexes combined. Conclusion Exercise tolerance, expressed as VO 2, peak and W peak , was reduced in CF females compared with males. Gender differences on maximum exercise performance are evident in adults with CF.