Peripheral muscle strength is associated with lung function and functional capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis

Purpose Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that causes important multisystemic impairments. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of peripheral muscle strength with lung function and functional capacity in adolescents and adults with CF. Methods Cross‐sectional study with prospective data of patients enrolled in the Program for Adults with CF at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The testing procedures included peripheral muscle strength testing, pulmonary function tests, and the 6‐minute walk test. Results The sample consisted of 41 subjects (27 women) with a mean age of 24.6. Upper extremity muscle strength was associated with forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second, and lower extremity muscle strength was associated with the distance covered in the 6‐minute walk test, oxygen saturation, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and forced vital capacity. Conclusions Muscle strength was positively associated with lung function variable and functional capacity in patients with CF.