Cystic Fibrosis
The most common
fatal genetic disease in the Caucasian population is Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It is characterized by the following traits:
an increase in electrolytes suggesting a defect in cellular transport mechanisms,
and pancreatic insufficiency. This
impairs growth and reduces absorption of nutrients and is the major cause of
morbidity (which is impaired pulmonary mucous clearance) and subsequent
infections of the respiratory tract.
CF is an insidious disease. Its affects on women are greater than that of
men, showing a 2:1 mortality ratio in comparison. Life expectancy past 30 years is rare and
therapy concentrates on relieving pulmonary infections with antibiotics and
clearance of mucous secretions through mechanical methods.
Exercise
Exercise plays an
important part in strengthening the pulmonary system and surrounding
musculature to enhance elimination of mucous.
Studies in exercise and CF have looked at improvement in:
Lung function
Adjunct therapy treatment and
motivational aspects of participation in activity programs
For the most part, CF patients can be
aided to achieve a clearance of mucous, to increase their ventillatory capacity
and can be encouraged to acquire positive attitudes about physical fitness.
Strength coaches who come into contact
with CF patient should realize that their recovery capacity is low, and
resistance programs should be structured around their recovery
capabilities. Exercise that enhances the
respiratory system, such as supine chest flies, abdominal crunches, side bends,
overhead pulls, and hip flexion should be incorporated into routines. Circuit training programs that have a high
work to rest ratio (long rest periods) are advisable.
Breathing exercises such as slow breaths
in and out, and forced expiration may be incorporated into the post-exercise
cool-down phase. This is an important
part of CF therapy, and if patients are taught to do it themselves, it will
enhance their overall therapy.
Contraindications
to Exercise
Severely impaired
CF comes under the control of physicians and occupational therapists. Most fitness professionals would not be
working with this group.
Exercise
Program for Clients with Cystic Fibrosis
Warm up: Diaphragmatic breathing (abdominal or belly
breathing) minimum of 10 to 15 slow breaths for approximately 2 minutes. Low intensity cardiovascular work (treadmill,
cycle or rowing machine), 5-8 minutes.
Leg press – 3 sets of 10 reps at 60-75%
of body weight
Chest Press – 3 sets-8-10 repetitions
Lat pull down to front – 3 sets 8-10
repetitions
Abdominal crunches – 3 sets of 10
repetitions
Biceps curls – sets of 8-10 repetitions
Triceps extensions – 2 sets each 8-10
repetitions
Side
Lateral raises to shoulder level – 3 sets 8-10 repetitions
Leg extensions – 2 sets 8-10 repetitions
Leg curls – 2 sets each 8-10 repetitions
Cool down: A recommended program is more cardiovascular
exercise (5-8 minutes) coupled with stretching and flexibility work and 10-15
repetitions of rhythmic diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
Exercise is not a cure for clients that
suffer from Cystic Fibrosis. It is only
the means to help CF patents improve their lung function and heighten their
awareness about the benefits of fitness.
While participation in programs for these
individuals may not increase their life expectancy, it certainly can improve
their quality of life. Personal trainers
should be aware of patient limitations as they prepare to teach this population
in aerobic and strength conditioning.
Suggested By:
NEERAJ MEHTA, (Fitness
Professional, Nutritionist and Inventor of BMXStrength ® Technique of exercise,
Director of GFFI Fitness Academy)
Tel: +91-9811309667
