Upper- and lower-limb exercise program for children with cystic fibrosis
Official title: Effects of Upper and Lower Limb Exercises on Muscle Strength, Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Functions in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07508904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether supervised upper- and lower-limb cycling and resistance exercises improve muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and lung function in children aged 6–18 with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 22 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07508904 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 6–18 with a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who are clinically stable, able to perform exercise, and have parental/guardian consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are oxygen- or ventilator-dependent, recently hospitalized or post-surgical, or have major cardiac or orthopedic limitations are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will enroll clinically stable children aged 6–18 with confirmed cystic fibrosis at pediatric CF centers in Lahore using convenience sampling. Participants will be randomized to supervised upper-limb (arm cycle ergometry) or lower-limb (leg cycle ergometry) exercise programs added to usual physiotherapy care. Primary outcomes include changes in peripheral muscle strength, aerobic capacity (VO2 peak), and pulmonary function/respiratory muscle endurance measured before and after the intervention. Patients who are oxygen- or ventilator-dependent, recently hospitalized or post-surgical, or with significant cardiovascular or orthopedic limitations will be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could improve muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and respiratory function, which may translate into better daily function and reduced pulmonary decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pediatric CF research combining aerobic and resistance training has shown modest improvements in VO2 peak, muscle strength, and functional capacity, so the approach has supportive but not definitive evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 6-18 years * Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis * Clinically stable * Able to perform exercise * Parental/guardian consent provided Exclusion Criteria: * Other severe pulmonary diseases * Cardiovascular or orthopedic limitations * Surgery or hospitalization within last 1 month * Inability to follow instructions * Oxygen-dependent or ventilator-dependent patients
Where it's running
-
Gulab Devi Chest Hospital
Lahore, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Danish Hassan, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Danish Hassan, PhD
- Email: danish.hassan009@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 345 7946009
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.