User talk:U3099284

Background - What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is rated the most common, life threatening, genetic disorder and effects the respiratory system, the digestive system and the reproductive system. Cystic Fibrosis patients will experience an excess of thick, sticky mucus being secreted due to a malfunction of their exocrine system. This results in difficulty breathing due to a build up of mucus on the lungs, as well as enzyme replacements in order to digest food effectvely. The symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis include; Cystic Fibrosis is generally treated a number of ways which include;
 * Persistent cough
 * Difficulty breathing
 * Impaired exercise ability
 * Poor appetite
 * Physiotherapy
 * Enzyme replacement
 * Aerosol inhalers
 * Salt and vitamin supplements
 * Diet
 * Exercise

Where this research is from?
This study was conducted at the University Children's Hospital, Graz, and Pediatric Department in Stolzape, Austria.

What was involved in this research?
This study involved six male and six female children with a median age of 10.5 years who were attending the Cystic Fibrosis clinic at the University Children's Hospital, Graz. Over a seventeen day period, the twelve children were required to cease any aerosol inhalation and chest physiotherapy and participate in an exercise/physical activity program which involved; one hour of swimming and diving twice a day, 2.5 kilometer jog four times a day, hiking, and recreational activities such as gymnastics, skipping, mini golf, soccer and table tennis. Ventilatory status was measured one day before the beginning of the program, one day post program and finally, eight weeks later.

Basic results
The results of this study found a gradual increase in performance and endurance amongst the children. This led to an across the board increase in ventilation, with the children's coughing and mucus on the lungs gradually decreasing after the fifth day.

Limitations:

The training program had to be adjusted to suit the capabilities of the majority of the children. This resulted in the older, fitter children not being as challenged, which would have therefore effected the results. Furthermore, the training program proved to strenuous for the youngest of the children who ceased the training program after the forth day, and returned to her normal inhalation-physiotherapy. A more specific training program focused on each individual and their fitness levels may have proven to produce greater results.

Conclusion
The authors concluded that a regular, effective, physical exercise routine may be a substitute for the inhalation physiotherapy for some children suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. However this is greatly effected by the fitness level of the individual.