The activity física is beneficial for anyone, but in the case of those with Cystic Fibrosisística is essential, as it improves aerobic fitness, relieves shortness of breath, and positively influences energy accumulation.n bone, blood glucose control and clearance of pulmonary secretions.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary and chronic disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Respiratory symptoms appear shortly after birth.

Today, new treatments and monitoring by multidisciplinary teams are some of the factors that have increased the quality of life and survival of these patients.

Respiratory physiotherapy in people with Cystic Fibrosis

No one questions today the important role of respiratory physiotherapy and the benefits that these patients receive from doing it daily. The respiratory physiotherapist accompanies the patient during the course of their illness, not only to drain their secretions, but also this health professional can guide you in improving your physical condition through exercise fípsycho.

"The exercise físico is considered one of the b pillarsáPhysicians in the management of Cytokinetic Fibrosisística, along with antibiotic therapy, physiotherapy and nutritionn. A sedentary lifestyle involves too many risks and is not a good attitude. Even if the rest of the therapies are followed, if you do not exercise you cannot obtain the best results and all the organs and tissues will beán in worse conditions". Spanish Federation of Fibrosis Quística (FEFQ)

I have Cystic Fibrosis. What does exercise do for my condition?

Without a doubt, physical activity is beneficial and essential to improve our quality of life and health condition. In the case of people with Fibrosis Quística, the exercise físico especially helps to reduce the feeling of dyspnea or shortness of breath, in additionáIt helps drain secretions, improves the strength of your muscles, andúmuscles, and reduces anxiety and depressionn.

Furthermore:

  1. Improves quality of life
  2. Reduces the risk of hospitalization due to an exacerbation
  3. Improves the prognosis of the disease
  4. Attenuates and/or prevents the decline in lung function
  5. Slows down lung deterioration

"The práactivity practice fíregular sica and the aero trainingnozzle They are very important because they are predictors of survival. That is, if the person with fibrosisística isá trained to livemore toboys and with better quality of life. Better aerobic power is associated with a lower núnumber of hospital admissions per exacerbationn pulmonar"Spanish Federation of Fibrosis Quística (FEFQ)

It is important to distinguish between physical activity and physical exercise. What are the differences?

Physical activityand that It is any bodily movement that makes us expend energy, such as walking or sitting down and getting up from a chair…

Even if you haven't stopped to think about it, we all do this physical activity every day. While we eat, get up, clean or make the bed. As is normal, some people are more active or more sedentary than others. You may be thinking, "Of course, I'm on the move all day, going from one place to another..."

That's great, but can we do more? Yes, we can and it is recommended.

Unlike physical activity, exercise físico It is an activity that is planned, has a structure and is repeated. In addition, it has a goal to achieve. In this case, we are talking about activities such as dancing, cycling, running, etc.

I have Cystic Fibrosis. What type of physical activity can I do?

It is recommended to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity on a regular basis.

Regular exercise and physical activity are recommended in Cystic Fibrosis treatment guidelines [A web-based intervention to promote physical activity in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial ] for improve aerobic fitness; relieve shortness of breath; and positively influence muscle accumulation bone, blood glucose control and clearance of pulmonary secretions. This is repeated

Source: Infographichas some Spanish Federation of Cystic Fibrosis.

How long should I do it?

Physical activity is beneficial and it is recommended that you do it at least 3 times a week, and ideally 5 days a week. It is recommended that you do it at a moderate to vigorous intensity.

Where do I start?

To start an exercise plan, it is essential to first consult with qualified professionals so that they can indicate the most appropriate plan for your specific needs. Performing an exercise that is below your needs can be as ineffective as doing it at a higher intensity, which would be harmful to your body.

If you don't know how to start, we recommend that you ask your respiratory physiotherapist. ÉThey can help you plan this activity, adjusting the intensity or level of difficulty according to your needs. At HappyAir we can help you control and improve your health with our team of coaches trained in rehabilitation and respiratory health.

Tips to improve your physical activity:

  1. Take sole responsibility for your health.
  2. Find the reasons and incentives to change your behavior.
  3. Find some time each day, even if you think it's not much time. It's important that you can dedicate that time to yourself and your health, even if it's small.
  4. Avoid long periods of sedentary lifestyle or standing still.
  5. Do not remain seated for more than two hours.
  6. Set an alarm to remind you when it's time to move.
  7. Look for activities that motivate you and make you want to move.
  8. Make sure the activity you choose is accessible.
  9. Start as soon as possible.

In the case of children, it is important that their families set an example by exercising and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Lack of motivation?

Source: Campaign spot “Donors of Desire” against sedentary lifestyle (FEFQ)

 

sharing experiences

  • Do you exercise regularly?
  • What changes do you see/feel in your body?
  • What motivates you most to exercise?
  • What's stopping you from doing it?
  • What are your fears or barriers?

If you want to share your story or experience, we are waiting for you at insp@ir community, the community of patients and professionals in respiratory health.

Physical activity is beneficial for our health. If you have questions on this topic you can contact our HappyAir Coaches I wroteéLet's go to tell us@lovexair.com and will answer youas soon as possible.

Testimonial – Life stories

“I feel lucky to be alive”
Interview with the Dr. Marito Auxiliadora Domínguez Ojeda, President of the Andalusian Cystic Fibrosis Association.

 

Author: Teresa Garcia-Barredo Restegui

Last updated on 22 April, 2021