"I know that exercise is very good for me": perception of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis about physical exercise program.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and understand the perception of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis diagnosis regarding the integration of a home physical exercise program into their daily routine. METHODS: This study used a qualitative method. Children and adolescents diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who were being followed up in a home exercise program participated by answering a semi-structured, face-to-face interview. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. RESULTS: Data from 38 participants were collected: 29 were pre-school/school ages (between six and 12 years old), nine were adolescents (between 13 and 16 years old). The median age of the participants was ten (interquartile range 8-10) years. Three thematic categories were identified from analyzing the interviews using a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory methodology: 1) I feel that I am better; 2) I did almost everything (all the exercises of the daily routine); 3) "If I could remove one exercise…" (the expression of preferences). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis diagnosis who completed the home exercise program was that it improved their health condition. This type of program positively changed the participants' perception of their symptoms and may allow participants diagnosed with cystic fibrosis to have greater engagement and adherence to their care.