Benefits of combining inspiratory muscle with ‘whole muscle’ training in children with cystic fibrosis: a randomised controlled trial

Background The purpose of this study (randomised controlled trial) was to assess the effects of an 8-week combined ‘whole muscle’ (resistance+aerobic) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on lung volume, inspiratory muscle strength (PI max ) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2 peak) (primary outcomes), and dynamic muscle strength, body composition and quality of life in paediatric outpatients with CF (cystic fibrosis, secondary outcomes). We also determined the effects of a detraining period. Methods Participants were randomly allocated with a block on gender to a control (standard therapy) or intervention group (initial n=10 (6 boys) in each group; age 10±1 and 11±1 years). The latter group performed a combined programme (IMT (2 sessions/day) and aerobic+strength exercises (3 days/week, in-hospital)) that was followed by a 4-week detraining period. All participants were evaluated at baseline, post-training and detraining. Results Adherence to the training programme averaged 97.5%±1.7%. There was a significant interaction (group×time) effect for PI max , VO 2peak and five-repetition maximum strength (leg-press, bench-press, seated-row) (all (p max and leg-press. Conclusion The relatively short-term (8-week) training programme used here induced significant benefits in important health phenotypes of paediatric patients with CF. IMT is an easily applicable intervention that could be included, together with supervised exercise training in the standard care of these patients.