Conventional chest physiotherapy compared to other airway clearance techniques for cystic fibrosis.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited life-limiting disorder. Over time persistent infection and inflammation within the lungs contribute to severe airway damage and loss of respiratory function. Chest physiotherapy, or airway clearance techniques (ACTs), are integral in removing airway secretions and initiated shortly after CF diagnosis.

The 2 min step test: A reliable and valid measure of functional capacity in older adults post coronary revascularisation.

Purpose: Exercise training is the central component in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR). A baseline assessment of aerobic capacity is paramount for exercise prescription and safety. The Two-Minute Step Test (2MST) has been used to measure aerobic capacity in healthy older adults.

The Exeter Activity Unlimited statement on physical activity and exercise for cystic fibrosis: methodology and results of an international, multidisciplinary, evidence-driven expert consensus.

Background: The roles of physical activity (PA) and exercise within the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) are recognised by their inclusion in numerous standards of care and treatment guidelines. However, information is brief, and both PA and exercise as multi-faceted behaviours require extensive stakeholder input when developing and promoting such guidelines.

Method: On 30 June and 1 July 2021, 39 stakeholders from 11 countries, including researchers, healthcare professionals and patients participated in a virtual conference to agree an evidence-based and informed expert consensus about PA and exercise for people with CF.

Feasibility, safety and acceptability of select outcome measures in a physiotherapy study protocol for boys with haemophilia.

Background: There is a lack of functional performance measures for children and young people with haemophilia (CYPwH) with associated control data from typically developing boys (TDB). The literature advocates development of a core set of outcome measures for different chronic conditions. As medical treatment improves, CYPwH are experiencing better outcomes; therefore, more challenging measures are required to monitor physical performance.

The impact of physical activity and exercise interventions for physical health in people with cystic fibrosis: protocol for a systematic review.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetically inherited, life-limiting condition, affecting ~90,000 people globally. Physical activity (PA) and exercise form an integral component of CF management, and have been highlighted by the CF community as an area of interest for future research. Previous reviews have solely focused on PA or structured exercise regimens independent of one another, and thus a comprehensive assessment of the physical health benefits of all PA, including exercise, interventions, is subsequently warranted.

Hypermobility, developmental coordination disorder and physical activity in an Irish paediatric population.

Objective: The primary aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder (gHSD) using the new classification system in a community paediatric physiotherapy service in Ireland. The second aim was to explore the relationship between GJH, gHSD and physical activity level, while considering the association of probable developmental coordination disorder (pDCD).

Methods: A case-controlled cross-sectional study of children aged 6-12 years, recruited from the community paediatric physiotherapy department (n = 32) and a local school (n = 41), was carried out.

Quality of hypertension care: An improvement initiative in two outpatient health care centers.

Rationale, Aims, And Objectives: Hypertension control is an important public health goal; however, significant barriers remain in primary care practice. Our objective was to identify areas for improvement in hypertension care and implement changes in management to improve outcomes. We also aimed to evaluate whether quality improvement influences physician attitudes towards and adherence to current hypertension guidelines.

Airway clearance strategies in cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis present with common symptoms in clinical domains that appear to benefit from airway clearance strategies. These symptoms include chronic productive cough, retention of excessive, purulent mucus in dilated airways, impairment of normal mucociliary clearance (MCC), atelectasis, breathlessness, fatigue, respiratory inflammation, fever, infection, and airflow obstruction. Airway clearance strategies may involve singular and focused interventions for the purpose of removing secretions and improving lung recruitment and gas exchange in patients with atelectasis.

Exercise as part of a cystic fibrosis therapeutic routine.

The role of exercise in cystic fibrosis (CF) is well established, and over the last three decades it has become an important component in the management of all individuals with CF. The role of exercise as a prognostic indicator or therapeutic tool is an important area of research interest in CF care internationally. This article summarizes the currently available evidence regarding exercise capacity in CF, the potential effects of exercise on health outcomes in CF and the challenges faced when trying to incorporate exercise into a CF therapeutic routine, and highlights some methods to facilitate the incorporation of exercise into CF therapeutic routines.