Cystic Fibrosis and Exercise: a Systematic Review

Purpose: The aim of this article is to systematically review the literature that examine exercise programs and evaluate their effect in Cystic Fibrosis patients.

Method: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINHAL, Biological Abst., Up To Date electronic databases were searched from January 2005 to December 2013.

Results: Only seven exercise interventions met the eligibility criteria for review. They include a very shot interval of twice in one hour to a long duration of 12 months. The exercise programs were walk, step test, aerobic, breathing, gaming and breathing. Majority had supervised training and assessment. Interventions carried out in home and in hospital setting.

Conclusions: All kinds of exercises helped in improving the respiratory function. Future research scope is also identified in various unexplored areas.