1st study: two month programme of home exercise using a cycle ergometer; 2nd study: physiotherapy or exercise
Outcome measures
peak work capacity, maximum oxygen consumption, maximum minute ventilation, sputum weight
Main results
in the 1st study peak work capacity, maximum oxygen consumption, and maximum minute ventilation had increased significantly by the end of the exercise programme; the increase in daily sputum weight (from 24 to 37 g) was not significant (p = 0.055). In the second study more sputum was expectorated during and after physiotherapy than during and after exercise (9.8 v 4.0 g).
Authors' conclusions
Exercise may have a role in aiding sputum expectoration in patients with cystic fibrosis but should not be considered as a replacement of physiotherapy.