The effect of a comprehensive, intensive inpatient treatment program on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to measure the effects of a 10- to 14-day comprehensive, intensive hospital treatment program on peak exercise capacity, endurance capacity, respiratory function, weight change, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures in patients with cystic fibrosis with a pulmonary exacerbation.

SUBJECTS

Fourteen young adults with cystic fibrosis admitted to a hospital for an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease were studied.

METHODS

Subjects performed pulmonary function tests, inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure tests, and stationary bicycle exercise tests at admission and discharge. Comprehensive therapy provided during the hospital admission consisted of intravenous antibiotics, physical therapy, high-calorie diet, and daily medical review.

RESULTS

The patients showed improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (46%-55% of predicted values) and forced vital capacity (62%-68% of predicted values). Maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures also improved (118%-131% and 78%-92% of predicted values, respectively). There was a mean weight gain of 2 kg. Maximum work capacity on a bicycle ergometer improved from a mean of 45% to 52% of predicted values. The most impressive result was the marked increase in exercise endurance time from a mean of 9.5 minutes on admission to 16.6 minutes at discharge.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

This study indicates that young adults with cystic fibrosis and an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease obtain measurable benefits from a comprehensive, intensive treatment program, particularly improvement in their capacity for endurance exercise.