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. 2020 Jul;19(4):e19-e24.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2019.10.026. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

Can exercise replace airway clearance techniques in cystic fibrosis? A survey of patients and healthcare professionals

N J Rowbotham  1 , S J Smith  2 , G Davies  3 , T Daniels  4 , Z C Elliott  5 , K Gathercole  6 , O C Rayner  7 , A R Smyth  2
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Free article

Can exercise replace airway clearance techniques in cystic fibrosis? A survey of patients and healthcare professionals

N J Rowbotham et al. J Cyst Fibros. 2020 Jul.
Free article

Abstract

Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are recommended in cystic fibrosis (CF) to prevent accumulation of secretions and lung infection. "Can exercise replace chest physiotherapy for people with CF?" is one of the CF community's top 10 research questions. We conducted an online survey of the CF community to gather data on current ACT use, recommendations, reported adherence levels and exercise strategies used. There were 488 respondents: 194 (40%) people with CF (pwCF), 141 (29%) family and 153 (31%) healthcare professionals (HCPs) (mostly physiotherapists). Only 10/285 (4%) of pwCF do no exercise at present and 163/303 (54%) already incorporate exercise into ACTs. ACTs were omitted by 128/267 (48%) of pwCF when they exercised. Nearly all (110/129, 93%) of HCPs currently recommend exercise to support ACTs. A trial replacing some or all ACTs with exercise, was supported by 80/110 (73%) of HCPs, with an additional 9/110 (8%) willing to consider in selected patients.

Keywords: Airway clearance techniques; Clinical trial; Co-production; Cystic fibrosis; Exercise; Priority setting.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest NJR has given lectures at meetings sponsored by TEVA. AS has provided consultancy for Vertex and holds a current unrestricted research grant from Vertex. He has taken part in clinical trials sponsored by Vertex, Raptor and Insmed. He has given lectures at meetings sponsored by Teva and Vertex. GD has given lectures at meetings sponsored by Chiesi.

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