CF Unit brings exercise home to patients

The program, established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, allows people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to undertake a live group exercise workout in the comfort of their home, without the risk of cross-infection.

The workout, run by Adult CF Centre physiotherapists every week, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from patients with around 70 per cent of TPCH’s CF patient cohort tuning in each week.

TPCH’s Adult CF Centre provides care to the most geographically dispersed CF population across Australia with patients living across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Northern New South Wales.

Adult CF physiotherapist Kelly Burgess, who led the program, said that telehealth-based exercise classes enhance the accessibility of essential physical activity for all CF patients.

“Exercise supports stable respiratory function and survival in people with CF, by reducing the severity of symptoms, reducing the number of exacerbations and preventing hospital admissions,” Kelly said.

The centre’s decision to change to a virtual model of exercise was initially driven by increased COVID-19 restrictions including the closure of gyms.

“At the height of restrictions, CF patients were unable to come to hospital for their outpatient appointments which meant the provision of face-to-face exercise sessions could not occur,” Kelly said.

“Virtual exercise classes can deliver supervised group exercise while reducing the problem of cross-infection and the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

Members of the CF team also had the opportunity to be involved in the workouts as part of a multidisciplinary approach which meant patients saw staff practicing what they regularly endorsed as best care.

Feedback on the new exercise program has been very positive to date, particularly for those living in regional areas.

Patient Tiana Strid, a regular participant in the program, said having access to a regular virtual exercise session was extremely valuable.

“The physio workouts have been great. I always knew I should exercise to help manage my CF but couldn’t work up the motivation and going to gyms made me nervous because of the risk of catching something,” Tiana said.

“I tune in each week and it’s so easy to follow and it’s great doing exercise that is specifically targeted to someone with CF. It’s fun and nice to see the staff members all working together and getting involved.”