1843 WEIGHT TRAINING REDUCES RESIDUAL VOLUME AND INCREASES BODY WEIGHT, MUSCLE SIZE AND STRENGTH IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Nine patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), age 24.7 +/- 7.2 (mean +/-S.D.) years, with FEF 25-75% 0.90 +/- 0.45 1/s (22% predicted) and residual volume (RV) 3.03 +/- 1.06 1 (278% predicted) participated in a six month trial of variable weight training (VWT) designed to strengthen the accessory muscles of respiration. Weight, pulmonary function tests (PFT), muscle size and strength, self concept and social function were measured at baseline, after a 3-month control period and after VWT. Compared to control period, differences after VWT were significant (p .01, two tailed t test) for weight gain (mean 2.9 kg), reduced RV (mean 1.77 1) increased chest diameter A-P and transverse (mean 6.15 and 6.89 cm respectively) increased upper arm circumference (mean 1.80 cm), and percent of all muscle groups at normal or better strength (mean increase 100%). No other changes in PFT, self concept or social function reached significance. VWT appears to reduce hyperinflation by strengthening and enlarging the accessory respiratory muscles.