Cystic Fibrosis Ireland-funded research to study the effect of exercise in the management of patients with cystic fibrosis undergoing lung transplantation

Patient-centered research will examine the role of exercise in the management of patients with mild, moderate and severe cystic fibrosis

With 65 Roses Day upon us, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland today announced an exciting new initiative within MedEx, the chronic illness rehabilitation programme run by Dr. Noel McCaffrey in Dublin City University (DCU), following the recommendation of the Head of the Mater Lung Transplant Unit, Professor Karen Redmond.   This will be co-funded by the Mater Foundation with funds raised by family and friends of the late Becky Jones.    

We are delighted to announce that Nicola Hurley has been selected for a four year PhD to carry out pioneering research into the role of exercise and its effects on physical fitness, muscle strength, bone health and quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis (PWCF). 

In Ireland, 1 in 10,000 people live with CF, while 1 in 19 people carry the altered CFTR gene. Current treatment options for people with CF include drugs, physiotherapy, nutritional advice, exercise and subsequent lung transplantation.

High levels of cardiovascular fitness increase the lifespan of PWCF. Regardless of disease severity, an association between cardiovascular fitness and survival has been shown in both children and adults with CF. Participation in regular exercise also has the potential to slow the annual rate of decline in lung function, maintain or increase bone mineral density and increase health-related quality of life in PWCF.

Nicola’s research will be carried out in the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, in collaboration with the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin. Nicola’s research will aim to develop an optimal exercise training program that incorporates both supervised and home-based elements. 

Describing the research, Nicola said:

“Although the message of ‘exercise is medicine’ is not new, the challenge to increase the use of exercise as a clinical management tool for PWCF still remains. This research grant will allow me to conduct high-quality, evidence-based work that will inform patient-care pathways with regard to the role of exercise in the management of CF, particularly in patients scheduled for lung transplant. I hope that the outcome of this research can positively impact the quality of life of patients living with CF and improve transplant outcomes. I am very excited to get started!”

Professor Niall Moyna, supervisor of Nicola’s research and Head of the School of Health and Human Performance and a member of the Centre for Preventive Medicine, both located at DCU, added:

“This is an exciting research opportunity for Nicola and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Exercise has an important role to play in the management of CF, particularly for patients scheduled for lung transplantation. This research will give Nicola the opportunity to enhance the patient care pathway and improve patients’ overall health related quality of life and post-transplant outcomes. I am looking forward to working with Nicola on this research”.

Professor Karen Redmond, Consultant Thoracic and Lung Transplant Surgeon at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, another supervisor of Nicola’s research, added:

“Developing easily accessible state of the art exercise programmes that incorporates newer technology and practice methods will enhance quality of life and hopefully outcomes”.

Philip Watt, CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, co-funder of Nicola’s research, added:

“CFI is proud to be one of the funding partners and to provide the funding for this very important research project. The importance of exercise in CF care is crucial, but to date there has been a limited focus on research on pre and post transplant patients with CF. We are confident that the outcomes of this study will help us understand the challenges but will also provide some of the practical tools which will help our patients”.

Aisling Jones, mother of Becky Jones, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting this very important initiative and see great possibilities for CF patients as a consequence of the work that Nicola and the team at DCU will undertake.  Ireland has a long way to go in comparison with other countries worldwide, in optimising exercise and physical activity as therapeutic interventions and we see this as the first step towards creating a world class programme that will deliver great benefits to the CF population”.

Dr. Noel McCaffrey, director of MedEx Wellness at DCU, added:

“A large proportion of the disability, unwellness and poor quality of life in many chronic illnesses, including CF, is actually caused by physical deconditioning, which itself is due to becoming inactive. This progressive inactivity is very damaging because, in addition to leading to poor levels of physical function, it is also associated with poor psychological wellness and social isolation. There are particular challenges with designing and implementing an exercise intervention for CF patients, especially in a group environment like MedEx, and solving these challenges will be an important part of Nicola’s research. Our hope is that the output of the research in due course will be of practical benefit to CF patients”.

ENDS
 

• HeartSmart - a cardiac rehabilitation programme.
• BreatheSmart - a pulmonary rehabilitation programme.
• SmartSteps - a vascular rehabilitation programme.
• Diabetes Health Steps - a programme for people with diabetes.
• Move On - a 12 week programme for people recovering from cancer treatment.
• Movement To Music - a 12 week dance class for individuals with Parkinson’s.
• Cancer Prepare – exercise programme for patients who are preparing for cancer surgery or treatment.