gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal recessive hereditary diseases (incidence ca. 1:2500). The positive effects of sport training programmes have been scientifically demonstrated in respect of lung function, general physical fitness and quality of life. We want to report on our experience with a 14-year-old boy with CF, who was the fist patient to join our training programme for children and adolescents (“Teenie Workout”). This is a report on the results one year after starting the training programme.

Material/Methods: The “Teenie Workout” was developed in response to a request from the Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (CF Outpatients Department, General Hospital of Vienna) to offer new training methods for children and adolescents from 10–18 years of age. The rehabilitation measures offered at the paediatric clinic were developed for younger patients and it was seen that children and adolescents older than 10 years of age did not feel it was fully appropriate for them. This led to lack of compliance in training among this patient group, which is at a particularly vulnerable stage of life in both a physical and psychological sense (puberty). The “Teenie Workout” seeks to meet the needs of this age group by using specific training elements, including hip-hop, Thai boxing, circuit training, step aerobic and dance. Case report: Out of the group of patients, a 14 year-old boy who was in very good general condition in light of his disease and had an active sporting life was selected for the case study.

Results: By means of the “Teenie Workout”, it was possible to achieve a clear improvement of performance capacity, body posture and three domains in the SF-36 for the patient described, with excellent compliance.

Conclusion: The “Teenie Workout” is an attractive supplement to the existing range of training on offer for children and adolescents aged 10–18, as it incorporates age-appropriate elements. The opportunity to contribute creatively to the design of the programme additionally promotes the patient's sense of responsibility for himself and joy in movement, thus enhancing compliance and the success of the therapy.