ABSTRACT
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