Search

Background Physical inactivity is a prognostic factor in various respiratory diseases, yet little data exist on activity levels in adults with CF. We planned to measure daily physical activity with activity monitors and to investigate the determinants of physical activity with a focus on extrapulmonary factors. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional single center study, CF patients wore a multi-sensor SenseWear armband for 7 consecutive days, which evaluated the intensity of physical activity in metabolic equivalents (METS) and steps per day. In addition, nutritional biological parameters, data on body composition and bone mineral density (dual X ray absorptiometry), body plethysmography and 6 minute walk test, were collected. Quality of life, and anxiety and depression were assessed using validated questionnaires. Linear regression models will assess factors associated with physical activity, adjusting for different variables related to patient demographics and behavioral, clinical (respiratory and non-respiratory) and biological parameters. Results 80 adults with CF (46 males – mean±SD age: 32.0±8.9 years; BMI 21.7±3.0 kg/m2; FEV1 58.7±20.6% pred) were included between February 2011 and January 2015. 90% had pancreatic insufficiency and 25% had diabetes. Mean daily physical activity level was 1.7±0.3 METS and the mean number of steps per day was 7,960±3,842. Mean daily total and active (>3 METS) energy expenditure were 10,193±1,929 J and 3082±1,555 J respectively. Mean daily activity (>3 METS) lasted 199±110 minutes. Multivariate regression analyses will be performed to identify variables associated with reduced physical activity in adult CF patients.