Exercise testing in patients with cystic fibrosis: Why and which?
Originally posted in Journal of Cystic Fibrosis
While the determination of exercise capacity is viewed as clinical best practice in cystic fibrosis (CF), its measurement using a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) remains as somewhat of a mystery for many CF clinicians. Two studies in the current issue (of the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis) highlight the use of exercise testing in CF clinical practice. The role of retained exercise capacity (VO2max) and levels of physical activity in CF in maintaining health status is compelling. Using an accelerometer to determine levels of physical activity, Hebestreit et al. found that more physically active CF patients had best preserved VO2max, FEV1 and nutritional status. These results are supported by a more recent review by Wilkes and colleagues who reported that children with CF with increased activity demonstrated a reduced decline in pulmonary function.
by Raelene
