Effects of a remotely supervised resistance training program on muscle strength and body composition in adults with cystic fibrosis: Randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Among the limited studies on physical exercise interventions in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), few have specifically addressed the improvement of peripheral muscle strength and body fat-free mass. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of a remotely supervised, individualized 8-week resistance training program of moderate to high intensity on strength and body composition in these subjects. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial performed in adults with CF. The exercise group (EX) performed three 1-h resistance training sessions per week over 8 weeks. The control group (CON) followed the physical activity recommendations of their physician. The main outcomes were muscle strength and body composition, with secondary measures including pulmonary function and quality of life. Two-way repeated measures analysis was used. RESULTS: In 23 participants (age 32.13 ± 7.72 years), the intervention showed a significant beneficial effect on leg press strength, with a large effect size, both in absolute (p = 0.011; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.281) and relative (p = 0.007; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.310) terms. Large intervention effects were observed on total fat mass (p < 0.001; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.415), body adiposity index (p < 0.001; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.436), and fat mass index (p < 0.001; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.445), all showing reduction in the EX group. In addition, significant large size effects were detected on total fat-free mass (p = 0.046; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.177), trunk fat-free mass (p = 0.039; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.188), and fat-free mass index (p = 0.048; η p 2 $$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$ = 0.174), all favoring exercise. No significant effects were observed on pulmonary function and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week remotely supervised resistance training program, with moderate to high intensity, effectively improved lower limb muscle strength and body composition.

Effects of a Short-Term Resistance-Training Program on Heart Rate Variability in Children With Cystic Fibrosis-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and exercise in healthy children modulates the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a short-term resistance exercise program on heart rate variability (HRV) in children and adolescents with CF. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in children diagnosed with CF aged 6-18 years. Individuals were divided into two groups: control (CON) and resistance-training (EX). Individuals in the EX group completed an individualized guided resistance program (5-RM-60-80%) for 8 weeks (3 sessions of 60 min/week). Upper and lower limbs exercises (seated bench press, seated lateral row, and leg press) were used. HRV was measured using a Suunto watch with subjects in lying position. Results: Nineteen subjects (13 boys) were included (CON = 11; and EX = 8). Mean age was 12.2 ± 3.3, FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) z-score was 1.72 ± 1.54 and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) 42.7 ± 7.4 mL.Kg-1.min-1. Exercise induced significant changes in the frequency-domain variables, including a decrease in LF power (p = 0.001, d = 0.98) and LF/HF ratio (p = 0.020, d = 0.92), and an increase in HF power (p = 0.001, d = -0.97), compared to the CON group. No significant changes were found for time-domain variables, although increases with a moderate effect size were seen for SDNN (p = 0.152, d = -0.41) and RMSSD (p = 0.059, d = -0.49) compared to the CON group. Conclusion: A short-term resistance exercise-training program was able to modulate HRV in children and adolescents with CF presenting mild to moderate lung function impairment and good physical condition. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04293926.

Effect of a combined exercise program on physical fitness, lung function, and quality of life in patients with controlled asthma and exercise symptoms: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Asthmatic patients may benefit from exercise training, although the effects of a combined aerobic and resistance training program are still poorly investigated in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of a combined exercise training (resistance and aerobic) program on aerobic fitness, lung function, asthma control and quality of life in a group of mild-moderate asthmatic children with exercise symptoms. METHODS: This was a 12-week randomized controlled trial including children and adolescents diagnosed with mild-moderate asthma and presenting exercise-induced symptoms. The intervention group (IG) performed the exercise training (resistance and aerobic) 3 days/week, for 60 minutes. The control group (CG) followed routine clinical orientations. The main outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, lung function, quality of life, asthma control, and functional tests after 3 months of the intervention. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (IG = 25 and CG = 28) with a mean age of 11.5 ± 2.6 years were included. No significant differences were found between groups regarding lung function, asthma control, quality of life, and functional tests. Ventilatory equivalent for oxygen consumption at ventilatory threshold (P = .025; ηp2 = 0.083), peak oxygen consumption (P = .008; ηp2 = 0.116) and test duration (P = .014; ηp2 = 0.1) presented greater improvements in the IG. In addition, improvements were observed in leg press (P < .001; ηp2 = 0.36), hamstring curl (P = .001; ηp2 = 0.217), high row (P = .003; ηp2 = .167), low row (P = .009; ηp2 = 0.128) and quadriceps leg extension (P = .015; ηp2 = 0.108) in the IG. CONCLUSION: Combined exercise training (resistance and aerobic) improved cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in children and adolescents with controlled asthma and exercise symptoms.