Cystic Fibrosis and Physical Exercise

Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive, chronic, developmental inherited genetic disease characterized by the production of thick, viscous mucus that tends to accumulate and obstruct mainly lungs and other organs. It mostly occurs within the first few years of life, sometimes later, damaging the respiratory system through progressive and obstructive lung deterioration. Management of respiratory secretions is characterized by the use of aerosol therapy with saline or hypertonic solution and multiday respiratory physiotherapy sessions.In addition to drug and inhalation therapy and the respiratory physiotherapy program, exercise is essential in the management of this condition. In fact, aerobic training increases lung capacity by improving lung function, effectively preventing disease progression and substantially improving physical condition.                                        In this article, the authors performed a systematic literature review examining studies conducted from 2010 to the present on the use of video games in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Patients who actively used video games showed a high level of treatment adherence due to the playful component that made treatment more fun and increased patient motivation and adherence. 

Reference
López-Liria R, Checa-Mayordomo D, Vega-Ramírez FA, García-Luengo AV, Valverde-Martínez MÁ, Rocamora-Pérez P. Effectiveness of Video Games as Physical Treatment in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Systematic Review. Sensors (Basel). 2022 Feb 28;22(5):1902. doi: 10.3390/s22051902. PMID: 35271048; PMCID: PMC8914851.