Physical activity in young people with cystic fibrosis living in Latvia

To find out the amount of physical activity in young people with cystic fibrosis and research physical activity experience. In the quantitative part of the research self-assesment of habitual activity of 13 young people with cystic fibrosis was performed using the questionnaire “Habitual Activity Estimation Scale” (HAES). Participants objective activity measurement was performed by using Maastrichts University developed accelerometer device MOX. Data were analyzed and compared using descriptive and conclusive statistics. In the qualitative part of the research were performed individual semi-structured interviews with four participants about experience of physical activity. Data processing was performed using deductive content analysis. Average time spent in total activity after HAES was 304,3 (+-125,9) min/day, after MOX was 220,3 (+-61,5) min/day. Average amount of moderate physical activity after MOX was 62,1 (+-38,8) min/weekday and 59,1 (+-21,3) min/weekend day. Motives for physical activity in youth living with cystic fibrosis are health improvement, visual image, competences and social influence. Experience of physical activity is affected by health, personal and environmental factors. Habitual physical activity of participants is sufficient - twelve from thirteen reached World Health Organization recommendations of moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes per week. HAES is useful questionnaire to assess physical activity of youth with cystic fibrosis. The main reason to use HAES could be to assess the changes in activity of persons with cystic fibrosis. Significant aspects of physical activity experience in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis are - improvement in health, visual image, benefits form physical activity, feelings in time and after physical activity, pleasure and knowledge of physical activity, social and environmental aspects. Qualitative results give opportunity to develop instrument to identify and grade factors that affect physical activity in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Facilitation of positive physical activity experience would be the main target of instrument.