Online activity – A beaming good initiative! Delivering alternative exercise opportunities for people with cystic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

Background

Increasing physical activity in people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) can positively influence their physical and mental wellbeing. Online activities provide opportunity for outpatient CF populations to enhance physical activity.

Methods

PwCF within a large Scottish CF unit were invited to participate in a pilot study of online exercise and education sessions. Those participating shared opinions on motivation, fitness habits, types of activities enjoyed pre and during shielding, and desirable goals for online activity. Subsequently, an online activity timetable was created offering daily exercise classes. Educational presentations driven by patient request were delivered in context appropriate to health, wellbeing, and infection control needs during the pandemic and the advent of modulator therapies. Twenty-eight group exercise sessions and 12 educational sessions occurred over the six-week pilot, following which, a post-pilot questionnaire was sent to those who had participated in the sessions. Risk assessment and exercise modifications ensured safe practice and accommodation for all levels of respiratory disease.

Results

Twenty-six pwCF attended one or more exercise sessions and 37 pwCF attended one or more education sessions. Group exercise and education improved time efficiency compared to in-person face-to-face delivery. The post-pilot questionnaire demonstrated increases in motivation and perceived fitness, with positive comments regarding peer support and enhanced socialization. Personal fitness goals were fully or partially achieved by 91% of participants.

Conclusion

Patient feedback suggested the implementation of online exercise and education sessions for pwCF was a satisfactory and convenient way to deliver exercise allowing for optimization and progression of personal goals.

KEYWORDS:

• Cystic fibrosis
• physical activity
• telehealth

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Beam Feel Good and Pamela Scarborough for their support with setting up this service and providing complimentary access to the Beam Clinic platform for the duration of this pilot. We would also like to thank Kim Barton, Becky Dunphy and Niamh Smith for their support in delivering the classes, and in particular those pwCF who participated in these sessions and who have continued their activities with us to the present day.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.