CF Active Scotland 140616
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CF Active Scotland. This project represents collaboration between West of Scotland Adult CF Unit, Kelvin College Glasgow and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
IRAS ID
210661
Contact name
Lisa Morrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GGC
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetically determined disease, which is characterised by chronic airways inflammation, bacterial colonisation,frequent exacerbations of infection, and an increased airway flux of acute and chronic inflammatory cells. In CF the mainstays of treatment take the form of regular physiotherapy to loosen thickened bronchial secretions, judicious use of antibiotics and close attention to nutritional requirements. Despite best therapy the natural history of CF lung disease is that of progressive lung damage and respiratory failure leading to death. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates increasing physical activity in cystic fibrosis patients improves their ability to fight lung infections, enables easier clearance of bronchial secretions, leads to improved lung function and better psychological well-being.
However, there is a perception among patients and families that there are barriers to accessing activity provision in local communities. Barriers cited by patients include a lack of knowledge on what activities could be beneficial, perceived lack of time in a day that typically involved hours dedicated to CF care, confidence issues due to common CF symptoms including coughing and financial barriers as living with CF is expensive. The study seeks to address the above by linking in 2nd Year Sports students on a one to one basis with cystic fibrosis patients for a period of 26 weeks, to introduce them to different forms of activity, establish a physical activity that can be sustained over a long-term period, and then provide the motivation, knowledge and confidence to continue this beyond the 26 weeks. This link will be supported by Glasgow Kelvin College tutors, CF physiotherapists and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This will ensure that the students placed with patients gain knowledge of cystic fibrosis and have excellent support so that patients can reach their full potential.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
16/SS/0184
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion