Mechanisms of Exercise Limitation in Cystic Fibrosis: A Literature Update of Involved Mechanisms

Patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are known to have a reduced exercise tolerance. To date, however, there is no (scientific) consensus about the exact physiological mechanisms leading to a reduced exercise capacity in these patients, and to what extent each mechanism contributes to exercise limitation. Moreover, it is still unknown at which point of the disease process the different exercise-limiting mechanisms come into play. An up-to-date (literature) overview of the determinants known to play a role in the reduced exercise capacity might be helpful for (1) understanding the underlying (physiological) mechanisms, and (2) for providing and indicating appropriate therapeutic interventions such as exercise training in patients with CF.