The impact of cystic fibrosis course on the physical activity of children with cystic fibrosis

Introduction. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have decreased physical efficiency compared to healthy population.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the CF course on physical activity in children with diagnosed CF.

Material and methods. Participants were 20 children with CF, aged 8–18 years old, 11 girs and 9 boys. We used anonymous questionnaire
directed to patients in order to assess the impact of the CF course on physical activity in children with diagnosed CF. We also used spirometric
lung function parameter, namely FEV1.

Results. We showed that every day activitiesnamely washing, dressing up, cleaning up, eating only in numerous cases seem troublesome for
studied children with CF. These limitations were related to patients in advanced stage of CF. Studied children with CF did not practice heavy
exercises but rather general developmental exercises.

Conclusions. Due to frequent hospitalisations, drugs taken and decreased physical efficiency cystic fibrosis showed negative impact on the
attendance of patients to physical exercise lesssons in school. Higher annual number of hospitalisations and annual number of antibiotic
courses were correlated with were the lower physical activity and general efficiency of the patients were.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (1): 39–46