Pulmonary function analysis in relation to static posture, thoracic spine mobility and physical activity level in patients with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic disease, mainly affecting the pulmonary system. In order to optimize respiratory work, postural changes and progressive physical exercise limitation may appear over time. Objective: To identify whether there is a relationship between pulmonary function and static posture, thoracic spine mobility and physical activity level in CF patients. Cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample of 44 children and adolescents. The following evaluations were carried out: anamnesis, physical activity level, measurement of the angle and mobility of the thoracic spine, spirometry and pulmonary plethysmography. Results: Positive and significant correlation between: (1) flexion angle with forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) (in liters); (2) extension mobility with FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% (%pred); (3) total thoracic spine mobility with all pulmonary variables except Tiffeneau Index and plethysmographic variables. Negative and significant correlation was found between the extension angle with FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75% (% predicted). The level of physical activity was negatively correlated with Residual volume (RV_L) (%pred). Conclusion: CF patients do not appear to have a significant impairment of static posture; however, thoracic spine mobility seems to correlate with worsening lung function.