Muscle length and joint range of motion in children with cystic fibrosis compared to children developing typically.

Purpose: To explore range of motion in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared to children developing typically. With the increasing longevity of people with CF, musculoskeletal concerns are becoming more prevalent and should be identified and considered in management plans. Reduced range of motion (ROM) in older people with CF has been demonstrated, and the age at which these changes begin to occur must be explored.

Methods: Participants were 38 children with CF (aged 7-14 years) and 38 children developing typically, matched for age and gender. Muscle length and joint ROM measurements were compared, using analysis of variance, in the thoracolumbar region (extension, flexion, lateral flexion), upper limb (pectoralis minor, pectoralis major, shoulder horizontal abduction), and lower limb (hip internal and external rotation, hamstrings, gastrocnemius-soleus).

Results: Children with CF had significantly shorter pectoralis minor, pectoralis major, and gastrocnemius-soleus muscles and significantly greater range of shoulder horizontal abduction than matched controls.

Conclusion: Altered ROM was identified in children with CF, strengthening the rationale to support proactive physiotherapy management of the musculoskeletal system, aiming to optimize function across the increasing lifespan. Evaluation and management of ROM and its impact on activity and participation are important areas for future research and clinical practice.