Is daily physical activity affected by dynamic hyperinflation in adults with cystic fibrosis?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dynamic hyperinflation and daily physical activity (DPA) in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS: Thirty-four clinically stable CF were studied. All patients undertook incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). CPET-related measurements included: oxygen uptake (V'O2 ), carbon dioxide production (V'CO2 ), ventilatory profile, work rate (W), inspiratory capacity (IC), end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). PA was assessed using the accelerometer SenseWear Pro3 Armband.

RESULTS: Exercise tolerance was reduced in most of patients and the mean V'O2,peak value was 75.2% of predicted (28.5 ± 4.8 ml/min/kg). Seventy % of patients responded to CPET with dynamic hyperinflation. Higher incidence of dynamic hyperinflation was found in CF males compared to CF females (p = 0.026). Patients who developed dynamic hyperinflation during CPET had higher vigorous PA (p = 0.01) and more total energy expenditure (p = 0.006) than patients who did not. EELVΔ was related to activities requiring vigorous intensity and total energy expenditure (R = 0.46, p = 0.001; R = 0.57, p <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In adults with CF and mild to moderate lung impairment, DPA might not be limited by dynamic hyperinflation.