Tests arm and leg exercise in children with cystic fibrosis
Compares arm and leg cycling exercise in children with cystic fibrosis aged 6 to 18.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Exercises' Effect on Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Functions in Cystic Fibrosis
Key facts
- Where
- Lahore, PakistanSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 6 and 18 years old?
Source: NCT07508904, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- Gulab Devi Chest HospitalLahore, PakistanTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Riphah International University
- Trial code
- NCT07508904
- Record updated
- 2 April 2026
- Original description
This research aims to evaluate the effects of upper and lower limb exercises on muscle strength and pulmonary function in children diagnosed with CF. While aerobic training is a known component of CF management, resistance training focused on specific limb groups has gained attention for its additional benefits. Upper limb exercises may aid respiratory muscle endurance and thoracic mobility, enhancing pulmonary mechanics. In contrast, lower limb exercises (such as cycling or squats) are associated with improved oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak), enhanced mobility, and greater lower body strength.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Upper and Lower Limb Exercises on Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Functions in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
This research aims to evaluate the effects of upper and lower limb exercises on muscle strength and pulmonary function in children diagnosed with CF. While aerobic training is a known component of CF management, resistance training focused on specific limb groups has gained attention for its additional benefits. Upper limb exercises may aid respiratory muscle endurance and thoracic mobility, enhancing pulmonary mechanics. In contrast, lower limb exercises (such as cycling or squats) are associated with improved oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak), enhanced mobility, and greater lower body strength.
This randomized clinical trial will be conducted using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The study will take place at the pediatric cystic fibrosis centers of Gulab Devi Chest Hospital and The Children's Hospital, Lahore. The targeted population includes children aged 6 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and referred to the physiotherapy department. The study duration will be ten months following the approval of the synopsis. Eligible participants will be children aged between 6 and 18 years, clinically diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, currently stable with no history of hospitalization or significant lung infection in the past month. They should be physically able to participate in exercise and capable of following instructions, with informed consent obtained from their parents or guardians. Children will be excluded if they suffer from other severe lung diseases, cardiovascular or orthopedic conditions that restrict exercise, recent surgery or hospitalization within the last month, or if they are unable to understand instructions. Those dependent on oxygen therapy or ventilator support at all times will also be excluded.
The primary outcome measures will include lung function assessed by spirometry (FVC, FEV1), sputum production recorded through a sputum diary, and aerobic capacity measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT). Muscle strength will be evaluated for both upper and lower limbs, using a handheld dynamometer for the upper limbs and the Sit-to-Stand Test for the lower limb
Inclusion: Children aged 6-18 years; Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis; Clinically stable; Able to perform exercise; Parental/guardian consent provided.
Exclusion: Surgery or hospitalization within last 1 month; Other severe pulmonary diseases; Cardiovascular or orthopedic limitations; Inability to follow instructions; Oxygen-dependent or ventilator-dependent patients.