Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity and Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Pulmonary function deteriorates and upper extremity muscle strength decreases in children with PCD. The upper extremity exercise capacity of these patients remains preserved. However, upper extremity resting muscle oxygen saturation is lower in children compared to healthy children. Most patients and healthy children are inactive. The upper extremity exercise capacity possibly declines due to deteriorating pulmonary function as the patients get older, which needs to be investigated routinely. Both upper-lower extremity aerobic exercise training applied consistently and physical activity counseling as part of their pulmonary rehabilitation program should be considered in children with PCD.