Lungs intertwined with flowers, symbolizing improved lung health through personalized exercise.

Breathe Easier: Can Exercise Improve Lung Health in Cystic Fibrosis?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how a personalized exercise program can help those with cystic fibrosis improve lung function and overall well-being."

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs, leading to a buildup of thick mucus that can cause breathing difficulties and increase the risk of infections. While medical treatments have advanced, physical activity (PA) and exercise are increasingly recognized as vital components of CF care.

Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for individuals with CF, including improved lung function, increased physical fitness, and enhanced quality of life. However, motivating people to be more active can be difficult. Supervised exercise programs can be expensive and time-intensive, leading to adherence challenges once the supervision ends. Unsupervised programs are more flexible, but maintaining compliance can be problematic.

The ACTIVATE-CF study, a large international multi-center randomized controlled trial, seeks to evaluate the effects of a partially supervised exercise intervention, combined with regular motivation, on lung health in a large group of CF patients. This article explores the study's design, methods, and potential impact on the lives of those living with CF.

ACTIVATE-CF: A Personalized Approach to Exercise

Lungs intertwined with flowers, symbolizing improved lung health through personalized exercise.

The ACTIVATE-CF study aims to determine if a tailored exercise program can improve lung function, measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), in CF patients. Secondary goals include assessing the program's impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression levels, and blood sugar control.

The study plans to enroll 292 CF patients aged 12 and older with an FEV1 of at least 35% predicted. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Here's a breakdown of what each group experiences:

Intervention Group: Receives individual counseling to increase vigorous PA by at least 3 hours per week, documents daily PA and inactivity, uses a step counter to track progress, and receives monthly phone calls for support.
Control Group: Receives standard care and maintains their current PA levels during the study period. After 12 months, the control group also receives the intervention.

The intervention emphasizes personalized activity plans. At each clinic visit (every 3 months), participants in the intervention group work with a physiotherapist or exercise specialist to identify activities they enjoy and address any barriers to exercise. This collaborative approach ensures the program aligns with individual preferences and motivations, making it more sustainable long-term.

The Future of CF Care: Personalized Exercise and Technology

The ACTIVATE-CF study is significant because it is the first large, international study to investigate the effects of a personalized PA intervention on various health outcomes in CF, utilizing modern technology. If successful, this relatively simple program could be implemented on a wider scale internationally.

This study also highlights the importance of patient-centered care. By tailoring exercise plans to individual preferences and providing ongoing support, the ACTIVATE-CF study aims to improve adherence and long-term outcomes.

As the study progresses, the results will offer valuable insights into the potential of personalized exercise programs to improve lung health and overall well-being in individuals with CF. By combining exercise with modern technology, the ACTIVATE-CF study could pave the way for more effective and accessible CF care.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s12890-018-0596-6, Alternate LINK

Title: Effects Of A Partially Supervised Conditioning Programme In Cystic Fibrosis: An International Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial (Activate-Cf): Study Protocol

Subject: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Journal: BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Helge Hebestreit, Larry C. Lands, Nancy Alarie, Jonathan Schaeff, Chantal Karila, David M. Orenstein, Don S. Urquhart, Erik H. J. Hulzebos, Lothar Stein, Christian Schindler, Susi Kriemler, Thomas Radtke

Published: 2018-02-08

Everything You Need To Know

What is the ACTIVATE-CF study and what is it trying to find out?

The ACTIVATE-CF study is a large, international, multi-center, randomized controlled trial designed to assess the effects of a partially supervised, personalized exercise intervention combined with regular motivation on lung health in individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. It aims to determine if this tailored exercise program can improve lung function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).

Besides lung function, what other factors does the ACTIVATE-CF study hope to improve for those with Cystic Fibrosis?

The primary goal of the ACTIVATE-CF study is to improve lung function, specifically measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), in individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. Secondary goals include assessing the program's impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression levels, and blood sugar control. These secondary measures provide a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits of the personalized exercise program.

What specific support and tools are provided to the intervention group in the ACTIVATE-CF study?

The intervention group in the ACTIVATE-CF study receives individual counseling to increase vigorous physical activity by at least 3 hours per week. They document their daily physical activity and inactivity, use a step counter to track progress, and receive monthly phone calls for support. This comprehensive approach ensures participants are actively engaged and motivated throughout the study.

Why are personalized activity plans such an important part of the ACTIVATE-CF intervention?

Personalized activity plans in the ACTIVATE-CF intervention are crucial because they ensure the exercise program aligns with individual preferences and motivations. At each clinic visit, participants work with a physiotherapist or exercise specialist to identify activities they enjoy and address any barriers to exercise. This collaborative approach makes the program more sustainable long-term and increases adherence.

What are the broader implications if the ACTIVATE-CF study is successful?

The ACTIVATE-CF study's potential impact extends beyond just improving lung function. If successful, this relatively simple and personalized exercise program could be implemented on a wider scale internationally, offering a cost-effective way to improve the overall well-being of individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. Furthermore, the study's findings could inform the development of similar interventions for other chronic respiratory conditions, highlighting the importance of physical activity in managing lung health.