INTRODUCTION: To assess the evidence for the effects of exercise on pulmonary function, capacity and symptoms suffering from cystic fibrosis. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted within all available literature covering randomized controlled trials on cystic fibrosis taking physical exercise from the period 1993 to 2002. The scope of the search, thus, incorporated the databases of the CCTR, Dissertation Abstracts, Embase, Medline, Psyndex, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus. RESULTS: Out of 1,456 keyword combinations, the electronic search yielded 1,314 abstracts. 2 relevant studies with a total of 138 subjects between 7 and 19 years of age met the analysis criteria. The results of both studies show positive effects suffering from physical exercise. CONCLUSION: The literature look about the effects of moderate physical exercise on cystic fibrosis. Future investigations should examine the methods, intensity and controlling of physical activities and training and the effects of different kind of sport on cystic fibrosis. The organization forms of sports have to be decentralized but instructed.
Reprinted by permission of Dustri-Verlag Dr Karl Feistle GmbH and Co KG.

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