Factors that influence adherence to exercise and their effectiveness: Application to cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Appropriate, regular exercise is of benefit to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). As with other segments of the population, it has been difficult to devise exercise programs to which most patients will adhere for long periods of time. In healthy children, factors that are related to positive exercise compliance include social support, perceptions of competency and self-esteem, enjoyment of activity, and availability of a variety of activities. In patients with CF, complications associated with the disease, e.g., time required for other treatment and fatigue, make compliance with recommended exercise activities more difficult. Factors likely to increase compliance in this population include explicit and continued encouragement and support from the family and healthcare team, and the introduction of behavior-changing strategies.

Active Video Game Playing in Children and Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis: Exercise or Just Fun?

“…11 Exercise programs should be tailored to individual needs, as there is considerable variability between subjects in terms of fitness, enthusiasm, and preference for particular types of activities. 12 A recent review of physical activity levels in subjects with CF assessed the effect of an exercise program on participation in physical activity, but underscored the lack of evidence regarding strategies for promoting the commencement of and adherence to regular physical activity. 13 It seems very important to consider the type of training when prescribing exercise.…”

“…Support from family, instructors (coaches, teachers, and the healthcare team), and peers is influential in determining activityrelated self-esteem and therefore activity behavior. 12 An exercise program using a gaming console may improve exercise adherence in children and adolescents with CF because the exercise is purported to be fun, which may increase motivation to exercise. Interactive gaming consoles may have the potential to replace or supplement traditional exercise programs because they result in greater enjoyment.…”

Effectiveness of biofeedback therapy in patients with chronic constipation

“…In the beginning of the treatment, the patients received recommendations to be observed at home, during all the treatment, such as increase the intake of fibers -such as fruits, vegetables and cereals 14,15 ; keep the daily water intake above 1 L 14,15 ; never ignore evacuation reflexes, never hesitate to evacuate if feeling so 16 ; perform physical activities 17 ; respect the correct evacuation position, i.e., legs wide apart, elbows on the knees, making abdominal force to help the evacuation 8,13 . The number of sessions ranged from 4 to 29 (mean of 13.25).…”

The Physiotherapist's Use of Exercise in the Management of Young People with Cystic Fibrosis

“…In a Position Statement published by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (Taylor et al, 2006) the important skills of the physiotherapist for prescribing exercise are highlighted as three major dimensions: management of disorders of movement, knowledge of exercise regimens and dosages, and clinical reasoning skills to ensure that exercises are optimal for the individual. Specifically for young people with CF, exercise programs should be tailored to individual needs, as there is considerable variability in terms of disease severity, fitness, enthusiasm and preference for types of activities (Webb & Dodd, 1999;Prasad and Cerny, 2002).…”

“…Educational dialogue is also recommended, as knowledge of the CF health condition and reasons for treatment are associated with increased adherence (Gardner, 2004;Hinton et al, 2002;Prasad & Cerny, 2002). Educational resources must be age-appropriate and thus attractive and colourful (Hinton et al, 2002;Gardner, 2004).…”