Adherence and barriers to general and respiratory exercises in cystic fibrosis

Objectives: To investigate the adherence and the self-reported barriers to general and respiratory exercises reported by individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Study design: An exploratory, experimental study.

Methods: Community-dwelling individuals aged 16 years and over, diagnosed with CF, who were accompanied in referral centers were included. Information regarding adherence to exercises was obtained by a questionnaire and reported as a ratio between prescribed exercises and self-reported adherence. The weekly frequency was used to verify adherence to exercise initiation, and the amount of session duration concluded was used to verify adherence to exercise duration. Values above 0.70 were considered as high adherence. Eight demographic and clinical factors were examined to explore their relationships with adherence, and the barriers to exercises were also collected by questionnaire.

Results: Thirty-four participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, adherence to exercise initiation was 0.40 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.3) for general exercises and 0.63 (SD = 0.4) for respiratory exercises. Adherence to exercise duration was 0.76 (SD = 0.4) for general exercises and 0.73 (SD = 0.4) for respiratory exercises. Forced vital capacity (r = 0.39; P = .02) was associated with adherence to the duration of general exercises, and body mass index (r = -0.33; P = .05) was associated with adherence to the duration of respiratory exercises. The main reported barriers were lack of interest, motivation and time, tiredness, noncommitment, and do not recognize the benefits of exercises.

Conclusions: Individuals with CF minded completing the sessions of prescribed exercises once they have initiated it, but most of the days they did not practice general or respiratory exercises.