Clinical exercise testing in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

PURPOSE: To review the most common field and laboratory exercise tests available for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS: Relevant studies for this review were identified by electronic search of Medline and PubMed databases between the years 1958 and 2008. The bibliographies of all accessed publications were also searched. Key descriptors were cystic fibrosis, exercise testing, aerobic fitness, children, and adolescents.

RESULTS: Five field tests were selected for presentation, including discussion of their strengths and weaknesses. Laboratory tests measuring aerobic and anaerobic responses to exercise in children with CF were also selected for presentation and discussed along with a summary of safety considerations for exercise testing of children with CF.

CONCLUSION: Exercise testing is regarded an important prognostic tool in CF care. However, despite its beneficial effects, clinical exercise testing seems underused. Clinicians and their staff should encourage patients with CF to be physically active and recommend exercise testing annually.