Physical activity level of scholars with cystic fibrosis:

case series

Abstract

Objective: to describe the level of physical activity among schoolchildren with cystic fibrosis (CF). Method: A descriptive case series study was conducted, including schoolchildren aged 6 to 14 years, clinically stable, enrolled in the university extension program Brincando de Respirar (BR) in Florianópolis/SC. Genotype data, presence of pathogens, spirometric parameters, and disease severity (ESD) were collected from medical records. Anthropometry was performed, and the Habitual Activity Scale (HAES), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), and the Measurement of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Preschool Children (MAFCS) were administered based on age groups. The use of the Power Walker pedometer was instructed for 7 consecutive days, recording equipment usage time and non-habitual activities. Data collected over 5 days were analyzed and processed using IBM SPSS® 20.0 software and presented as measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results: Five schoolchildren participated (80% girls) with an average age of 9.40±2.96 years and excellent ESD scores. According to the PAQ-C and MAFCS, 40% were sedentary, 20% were moderately active, and 40% were active, with 60% reporting engaging in physical activity 1 to 2 times per week. HAES identified a predominance of hours in slightly inactive behavior, and pedometer evaluation showed an average performance of 9,500±3,080 steps per weekday and 6,653±3,657 steps on weekends. Conclusion: A sedentary or slightly active behavior pattern is observed among schoolchildren with CF, which warrants further investigation and guidance to increase physical activity within extension activities like the Brincando de Respirar program.