World-renowned experts have compiled a reference document to help people with cystic fibrosis.

Exeter’s Unlimited Activity Statement is an evidence-based 24-statement document designed to help healthcare professionals determine an appropriate activity and exercise plan to meet the individual needs of people with dementia.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene that affects the entry and exit of salt and water into cells. This causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to troublesome symptoms. Although there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, several treatments are recommended to manage the disease, including physical activity and exercise. Around 11,000 people in the UK and 100,000 people worldwide have CF.

Professor Craig Williams, Principal Investigator and Professor of Pediatric Physiology and Health at the University of Exeter, said: “Physical activity promotion for people with complex medical conditions is not common, and evidence shows it is effective in disease control. This consensus integrates the physical, psychological and social benefits of physical activity to support clinical teams and help people with cystic fibrosis to live life without limitations. . »

Exeter’s Unlimited Activity Statement, published Chronic lung diseaseContains exercise-specific recommendations and guidelines and complements other aspects of disease management.

Dr Owen Tomlinson, co-author and lecturer at the University of Exeter, said: “Research has shown that there is a lack of trust and understanding of how to use exercise for management. Cystic fibrosis; therefore, we hope that these resources can provide an easy-to-use method to fill this knowledge gap. »

Daniel Beaver, researcher and co-author of the study, lives with cystic fibrosis. He was one of the participants in the consensus meeting.

Beaver said: “Despite advances in understanding and treatment, living with cystic fibrosis remains a challenge. Exercise is part of a larger and more varied care regimen that includes various pills, nebulized medications, and physiotherapy.

“This research is very important in highlighting what we currently know and don’t know about the relationship between cystic fibrosis and exercise. I hope this will lead to more effective, targeted and personalized approaches to exercise, which, along with other developments in care and treatment, will help people with cystic fibrosis live in better health for longer. »

Research Director at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Dr. Lucy Allen said: “We are delighted that our Strategic Physical Activity Research Centre, led by researchers at the University of Exeter, has led to the development of this consensus document. We hope it will become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for information on physical activity in cystic fibrosis for CF teams and the CF individuals they support.

“Our Strategic Research Center (SRC) awards are a multifaceted approach to developing our understanding of cystic fibrosis and our knowledge of how to treat it. The Physical Activity SRC brings together physiologists, psychologists and sports scientists to understand how to more effectively prescribe physical activity to people with cystic fibrosis.”

Exeter’s unlimited work announcement includes 39 staff from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Greece, Chile, France and the Netherlands, as well as academics and clinical professionals representing 43 different institutions.