Introduction: Few studies investigated the association between exercise capacity and anaerobic power in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, a study for anaerobic power in CF with abnormal glucose tolerance has yet to be found. This study aimed to identify the relationship between anaerobic power and exercise capacity in CF children with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Method: Twenty-nine CF patients with IGT (age=14.6±2.1 years, 14M, 15F, FEV1=82±23.4%) participated in the study. Lung function, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were recorded. An incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) was performed. Anaerobic power was measured using a vertical jump test, and peak power was calculated.

Result: The mean ISWT distance was 614.8±256.9 m, and the %ISWT distance was 47.7±20.8%. Peak power was 4720.58±588.91 Watt. A significant correlation was found between peak power and ISWT distance (r=0.455, p=0.017), FEV1 (r=0.564, p=0.001), FVC (r=0.661, p<0.001), PEF (r=0.649 p<0.001), and FEF25-75% (r=0.491, p=0.007). There was a significant relationship between ISWT distance and FEV1 (r=0.676, p<0.001), FVC (r=0.663, p<0.001), PEF (r=0.594, p=0.001), and FEF25-75% (r=0.563, p=0.002).

Conclusion: This study observed anaerobic power correlated with exercise capacity measured with ISWT in CF with IGT. Since the glucose mechanism is essential to both anaerobic and aerobic performance, whether anaerobic exercise training may help to increase aerobic capacity in CF with IGT needs further investigation.

Supported by Hacettepe University Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit.