Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
RCT. 1-year parallel design.
Participants
42 participants with CF completed the study. Group demographics: mean (SD) age 23.5 years (6.4 years) for training group; 23.6 years (5.5 years) for control group. 3 participants dropped out at the start of programme: 1 from training group due to failure to attend on initial assessment; and 2 in the control group were withdrawn due to ill health. A further 6 participants dropped out during the 1-year period.
Interventions
Long-term aerobic and anaerobic study. Comparison of unsupervised exercise (based on individual preferences general aerobic exercises for lower body and weight training for upper body) 3 times per week over 1 year versus control (continue with usual activities).
Outcome measures
Included in this study were: whole blood lactate; RER; heart rate; Borg breathlessness and muscle effort; VE, RR peak for arm and bicycle ergometry at 55% maximal workload; and weight.
Main results
For leg exercise, significant differences were seen at 12 months between the active and control groups in the mean (SE) change in blood lactate levels (-0.38 (0.23) mmol/l v 0.45 (0.25) mmol/l, p<0.05) and heart rate (-4.8 (2.5) bpm v 3.4 (2.5) bpm, p<0.05), confirming a training effect. For arm ergometry there was no change in lactate levels at 12 months but there was a significant difference in forced vital capacity (46 (72) ml v -167 (68) ml, p<0.05).
Authors' conclusions
A training effect, as measured by a reduction in lactate levels and heart rate, can be achieved with unsupervised individualised home exercise in adults with cystic fibrosis. A benefit to pulmonary function was observed and together these findings suggest that exercise programmes should be encouraged as an important component of care in cystic fibrosis.