Routine ECG monitoring for patients with cystic fibrosis: Physiotherapists be aware!

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening inherited disease, affecting over 10,000 people in the UK. INSPIRE-CF is a 24-month randomised control trial investigating the longitudinal effects of weekly supervised exercise on lung function and exercise capacity in children with CF≥. The gold standard Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) is undertaken by participants to assess aerobic capacity and monitor for exercise induced limitations. Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is also undertaken during the test. ECG is not routinely performed at CF clinics or annual review. Cardiac arrhythmias are rare but may be under reported in cystic fibrosis (CF).