Exploring Exercise as Airway Clearance in Cystic Fibrosis: A Qualitative Study From the ExACT-CF Feasibility Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Question

Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects > 11,300 people in the UK and is characterized by thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, leading to recurrent infections, inflammation, and progressive respiratory decline. Chest physiotherapy remains a cornerstone of airway clearance; however, many people with CF (pwCF) find it burdensome and time-consuming. Exercise has been proposed as a potentially effective and more acceptable alternative. The ExACT-CF feasibility trial evaluated the use of exercise as an airway clearance technique in pwCF on modulator therapy.

Methods

This nested qualitative study explored the experiences of participants and healthcare professionals involved in the ExACT-CF trial, alongside broader perspectives on airway clearance, to inform future research and clinical

SUBMITTER: Taylor E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12834544 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature