Individualized supervised resistance training during nebulization in adults with cystic fibrosis

Background and Objective: Since dyspnea limits exercise adherence and intensity in cystic fibrosis [CF] patients, engaging in resistance training [RT], which causes less dyspnea than other exercise modalities, while using nebulizers could not only overcome this barrier, but also enhance long-term adaptations to treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of RT during nebulization on spirometry, anthropometry, chest wall excursion, respiratory muscle strength and health-related quality of life [HRQOL]

Methods:Fourteen male and female CF patients were assigned to a four-week, 20-minute, 5-day per week proof-of-concept RT group [RTG] [n=7] or non-exercising control group [CON] [n=7], with 3 CON patients later dropping out of the study. Patients performed whole body exercises for 3 sets of 10 reps using resistance bands, since such bands have previously demonstrated a greater effect on functional exercise capacity than conventional RT in lung patients

Results:The RTG displayed significant [p

Conclusion:This small scale proof-of-concept investigation demonstrates the multiple and simultaneous benefits of RT during nebulization in CF patients. The improvements in pulmonary measures are particularly promising especially since this study only made use of a four-week experimental period. This study provides an important alternative, time-saving treatment for the CF patient that does not add to the treatment burden of CF patients

Shoulder injury incidence and severity through identification of risk factors in rugby union players

This study aimed to analyze shoulder injury incidence and severity to reduce players' risk of sustaining injuries and missing playing time. Ninety-five South African Premier team rugby Union players [mean: 25 years of age] took part in the study with injury data collected through the use of injury reports. This study found that approximately two of every five participants sampled incurred a primary shoulder injury with dislocation being the most prevalent. Twenty-one [80.8%] of the participants that experienced a primary shoulder injury also sustained a secondary shoulder injury with rotator cuff tears being most predominant. Only three players were found to have suffered tertiary shoulder injuries. The injuries were mainly related to tackling during training and matches. Twenty players were found to have adhered to a strength and conditioning program prior to their injuries and 14 of the injured participants received or adhered to a prehabilitation program. Eight of the injured players also suffered from recurrent injuries with dislocations being the most common. Results indicated that specific positions in rugby are at higher risk of shoulder injuries than others and that with the correct preventive measures put in place, the severity of injuries can be reduced