Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
Randomized controlled clinical trial
Participants
patients with cystic fibrosis between age 7 and 20 years (n = 34)
Interventions
Patients were assigned to 2 groups: control and intervention. The intervention consisted of a handbook with instructions for aerobic exercise and stretching.
Outcome measures
Main outcomes were postural abnormalities, plantar pressure distribution, and lung function.
Main results
In phase I, 34 patients with CF and 34 healthy matched individuals were included. No significant baseline differences were identified. Children with CF presented more postural deviations compared with healthy subjects (P < .05), as to alignment of the head, shoulder girdle, and pelvis, increased cervical lordosis, and lateral chest distance. In phase II (n = 34), there were no baseline differences between groups. The intervention caused (P < .05) a decrease in cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, lateral chest distance, and abdominal protrusion, as well as in the baropodometric mean pressure and contact area.
Authors' conclusions
Children and adolescents with CF present postural changes when compared with healthy individuals. The educational guideline for exercise practice helped to improve posture, preventing the progression of some postural disorders.