Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease mainly characterised by the production and accumulation of viscous mucus, which generally affects the respiratory system, resulting in a decrease in the lung function reserve and effort capacity. To this effect, a supervised physical exercise (SPE) programme was developed, with the aim of determining its effect on the different effort parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition, in adult CF patients.

Twelve subjects took part: 8 men and 4 women (mean age: 23±6.28years). Information was recorded for the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), peak expiratory flow (PEF), muscular strength and body composition. The programme lasted 8weeks, with an aerobic capacity volume of ± 60min/week, building it up to ± 90min/week and an intensity of 45%-60% of the heart rate reserve (HRR). As for the muscular strength training, this started at 10min/week increasing to the 30min/week, combining dynamic, reactive and isometric methods.

The preliminary information obtained showed a significant improvement in the static strength, about 10% in the upper limbs and 20% in the strength resistance in the lower limbs. A moderate increase was observed in the VO2max and the PEF. There were no significant changes in the percentage fat mass.

The results obtained would suggest that a domiciliary SPE programme might improve the functional capacity by increasing muscular strength, lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness in adult CF patients.