Physical activity in patients with cystic fibrosis

Clinical improvements associated with highly effective CFTR modulator therapy do not necessarily translate into increased physical activity among children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). At ERS 2026 in Barcelona, Manon Kinaupenne, postdoctoral research fellow at Ghent University, presented two abstracts addressing physical activity in young people with CF and strategies to promote more active behavior.

In the first study, physical activity was assessed in patients aged 6–17 years according to CFTR modulator use: those not receiving modulators, those initiating treatment during follow-up, and those already receiving treatment at baseline. Physical activity increased slightly across all three groups, with no difference in change according to modulator use. At follow-up, activity levels were also comparable between patients receiving and not receiving modulators. Despite the overall improvement, absolute physical activity levels remained low, highlighting a potential need for targeted interventions alongside pharmacological treatment.¹

This provided the rationale for a second project focused on children aged 6–12 years. Drawing on previous research and qualitative interviews with children, parents and healthcare professionals, the team developed Let’s Move – My Activity Book, a home-based behavioral intervention. The booklet incorporates goal setting, action planning and problem solving, while encouraging collaboration with physiotherapists to identify activities that motivate individual children.²

Together, the work presented as posters at ERS 2026 suggests that improving clinical outcomes alone may be insufficient to increase physical activity in young people with CF, supporting the continued exploration of dedicated behavioral approaches.