Evaluation of functional capacity and level of physical activity in adolescent and adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to compare the functional capacity and level of physical activity between adolescent and adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy individuals. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) was used to evaluate functional capacity and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - long version) was applied to assess physical activity level. This study included 31 patients with CF (11 males and 20 females) and 31 healthy individuals. Patients with CF had significantly lower values of body mass index (BMI), pulmonary function parameters, physical activity level, six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Comparing patients using a cut-off point of 500m, there were no significant differences in the classification of physical activity level assessed by the IPAQ questionnaire. Among patients with CF who walked less than 500m, there were significantly lower values of peak expiratory flow (PEF), PEF (%), SpO₂ after 6MWT and distance walked in the 6MWD. It could be concluded that patients with CF practice physical activity at lower levels than healthy individuals, when compared by the IPAQ questionnaire.