Research

Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Self-Regulated Exercise in CF: A Randomized Trial

Protocol Description

The aim of this study is to test the effect of a 6-month program of self-regulated, home-based exercise with telephone reinforcement on the cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function and quality of life of children with cystic fibrosis (CF), compared to controls. Exercise is beneficial for people with CF because it can increase their fitness and sense of well-being and may even extend CF patients’ lives. Approximately 50 patients with CF and 50 parents will be enrolled. The research is being conducted at the Antonio J. and Janet Palumbo Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

Eligibility Criteria

Patients with CF between the ages of 10 and 18 years are eligible for the study. One parent for each child will also be asked to participate.
Boys: 10 through 18 years
Girls: 10 through 18 years

Requirements
Participation will last for 1 year and will involve 5 research visits (all coordinated with regular clinic visits), where subjects will be asked to complete quality-of-life questionnaires, perform sustained phonation tests, and exercise in the lab. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of 2 groups, experimental or control, both of which will keep diaries, receive phone calls, and have a chance to do exercise at home. Some of the patients and parents from both groups will be interviewed about their experiences with the exercise program.
Visits: 5
Duration: 12 months

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
National Institute of Nursing Research

Additional Resources
Cystic Fibrosis