Gaming console exercise and cycle or treadmill exercise provide similar cardiovascular demand in adults with cystic fibrosis: a randomised cross-over trial

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Question

Does exercise using a gaming console result in similar cardiovascular demand and energy expenditure as formally prescribed exercise in adults with cystic fibrosis? How do these patients perceive gaming console exercise?

Design

Randomised cross-over trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis.

Participants

19 adults with cystic fibrosis admitted to hospital for treatment of a pulmonary exacerbation.

Intervention

Participants underwent two 15-minute exercise interventions on separate days; one involving a gaming console and one a treadmill or cycle ergometer.

Outcome measures

Cardiovascular demand was measured using heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Energy expenditure was estimated using a portable activity monitor. Perception (enjoyment, fatigue, workload, effectiveness, feasibility) was rated using a horizontal 10-cm visual analogue scale.

Results

There was no significant difference in average heart rate (mean difference 3 beats/min, 95% CI −3 to 9) or energy expenditure (0.1 MET, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.5) between the two interventions. Both interventions provided a ‘hard’ workout (RPE ~15). Gaming console exercise was rated as more enjoyable (mean difference 2.6 cm, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.6) than formal exercise but they didn’t differ significantly in fatigue (−1.0 cm, 95% CI −2.4 to 0.3), perceived effectiveness (−0.4 cm, 95% CI −1.2 to 0.3), or perceived feasibility for inclusion in routine management (0.2 cm, 95% CI −0.7 to 1.1).

Conclusion

Gaming console exercise provides a similar cardiovascular demand as traditional exercise modalities. It is feasible that adults with cystic fibrosis could include gaming console exercise in their exercise program.

Trial registration

ACTRN12610000861055.

Key words

Cystic fibrosis
Respiratory disease
Energy expenditure
Exercise
Physiotherapy

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