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Cystic Fibrosis and Exercise

Exercise used to be considered dangerous for CF patients because some patients had difficulty breathing. Today, exercise is considered a valuable tool for CF patients in maintaining good health. Running, jogging, aerobics, bicycling, swimming, and tennis are all examples of exercise that can be of benefit to a person with CF.

Exercise has many benefits for people with CF. First, exercise is a natural form of chest physiotherapy. The movements involved in exercise, whether running or bicycling, create a natural vibration that helps loosen mucus in the lungs so it can be coughed up more easily. Second, exercise stimulates coughing, again helping in the removal of mucus from the lungs. Third, as in all patients, exercise improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood pressure. Lastly, exercise can improve mental attitude. People with CF, especially children, can feel part of a team when involved with sporting activities. By participating in some physical activity, children can feel that CF no longer makes them stand out from the rest of their friends.

It is important that a person's health care team recommend an appropriate exercise program. The program should take into account the patient's interests and limitations. It is important that patients start an exercise program slowly and work up to a comfortable level. Patients should also remember to stay properly hydrated since they will be loosing even more water and salt through perspiration. Patients will also be loosing extra calories from exercise and will need to make up for the loss.
 

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