Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis

Effects of a Resistance Training Program on Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis

This study aims to assess the effects of a resistance exercise training program on heart rate variability in a group of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The study design is a randomized controlled trial.

A randomized controlled study will be carried out in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis aged 6 to 18 years. Individuals will be divided into two groups: control group (CON) and strength training (ST). Heart rate variability will be analyzed using KUBIOS and measured using a Suunto watch, with subjects in lying position without movements or speaking for 5 minutes. Patients in the ST group will complete an individualized guided strength program for 8 weeks (3 sessions of 60 min/week). Training prescription will be individualized and based on the 5 repetition maximum test (60-80%). Upper and lower limbs exercises will be used, including seated bench press, seated lateral row and leg press. Outcome measures will be performed at baseline and after 8 weeks.

This group will receive routine recommendations by the pediatrician, including specific lifestyle advises.

This group will receive routine recommendations by the pediatrician, including specific lifestyle advises. In addition, a 8-week resistance exercise training program will be performed.

Changes in time-domain SDNN will be measured through heart rate variability assessment using a heart rate band and an Ambit 3 Sport watch. Variables will be collected during a five minute period.

Changes in time-domain RMSSD will be measured through heart rate variability assessment using a heart rate band and an Ambit 3 Sport watch. Variables will be collected during a five minute period.

Change in the percentage of differences between R-R intervals higher than 50 m/s (PNN50) expressed in percentage (%)

Changes in time-domain PNN50 will be measured through heart rate variability assessment using a heart rate band and an Ambit 3 Sport watch. Variables will be collected during a five minute period.

Changes in frequency-domain LF will be measured through heart rate variability assessment using a heart rate band and an Ambit 3 Sport watch. Variables will be collected during a five minute period.

Changes in frequency-domain HF will be measured through heart rate variability assessment using a heart rate band and an Ambit 3 Sport watch. Variables will be collected during a five minute period.

Change in the quotient (LF/HF) between the low frequency band (LF) and the high frequency band (HF) expressed as a ratio

Changes in frequency-domain HF will be measured through heart rate variability assessment using a heart rate band and an Ambit 3 Sport watch. Variables will be collected during a five minute period.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis Age between 6 and 18 years old Mild to moderate lung function levels Signature of the informed consent form by legal guardian and patient. Exclusion Criteria: Active smoking Exacerbation in the last 3 months Presence of gastrostomy Use of beta-blocker drugs Diagnosed heart disease Alterations in the locomotor system

Estevez-Gonzalez AJ, Donadio MVF, Cobo-Vicente F, Fernandez-Luna A, Sanz-Santiago V, Villa Asensi JR, Iturriaga Ramirez T, Fernandez-Del-Valle M, Diez-Vega I, Larumbe-Zabala E, Perez-Ruiz M. Effects of a Short-Term Resistance-Training Program on Heart Rate Variability in Children With Cystic Fibrosis-A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Physiol. 2021 Mar 30;12:652029. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.652029. eCollection 2021.