Effects of Exercise Intervention Program on Bone Mineral Accretion in Children and Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate effect of one year exercise intervention program on bone mineral accrual in children and adolescent with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: Fifty-two CF children (mean age 149.79 mo) were randomized into experimental (15 boys and 10 girls) and control groups (15 boys and 12 girls). Experimental group performed prescribed exercises three times/week, while control group continued with routine physical activities for one year. Following were assessed at baseline and at one year: Bone mineral density (BMD) of whole body and lumbar spine, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life and habitual activity.

Results: Change in whole body and lumbar spine BMD over 12 mo in experimental group was lower by 0.006 g/cm² (95% CI -0.02 to 0.02) and higher by 0.001 g/cm² (95% CI -0.04 to 0.03) than controls, respectively. However, difference between groups was non-significant for both parameters. Experimental group had a significant improvement in their exercise capacity (p = 0.006), quality of life, and serum vitamin D (p = 0.007) levels. Differences between groups for changes in pulmonary function and habitual activity were non-significant.

Conclusions: Exercise regime was not associated with significant improvement in BMD of CF patients, but it had a positive impact on both physical and psychological health of these patients.

Keywords: Bone mineral density; Cystic fibrosis; Exercise; Exercise capacity; Quality of life; Vitamin D.