The benefits of regular physical exercises for cystic fibrosis patients are well known. Nevertheless, few studies involve adolescent patients. The objective of this article was to review the effects of regular practice of aerobic exercises, strength exercises and muscular exercises in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The main physical fitness tests for this age bracket and their value in improving prognosis and treatment were assessed as well. Information was collected from text books and articles published in the national and foreign literature in the following databases: LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library and SciELO, comprising the period of 1994 to 2004. The terms "exercise" and "cystic fibrosis" were used to select articles. This survey demonstrated that aerobic exercises and muscular strength training help to relieve the bronchial tree, reduce progressive pulmonary function failure and improve self-esteem and quality of life. The best results were obtained with assisted training programs due to their regularity.
Cystic fibrosis; Aerobic exercise; Strength training; Quality of life; Adolescent