An interesting study was published in The Journal of Pediatrics comparing the fitness levels of males and females with cystic fibrosis. A 6 week inpatient rehabilitation program was conducted with 158 females and 186 males subjects (ages 12-43 years) with cystic fibrosis. Lung function, peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, and peak heart rate were measured. The results indicated the following: lower lung function in males lower aerobic capacity in females same training effects were seen in males and females for peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate but not in peak work load individuals who were less fit at the start of the program showed the most improvement The researchers concluded that fitness level and not lung function determined the improvements following the 6 week rehabilitation program. Reference: Wolfgang Gruber , MSc , PhDa , David M. Orenstein , MDb , Klaus Michael Braumann , MDc , Karl Paul, MDd , Gerd Hüls , MDe Effects of an Exercise Program in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: Are There Differences between Females and Males? The Journal of Pediatrics Abstract September 2010 doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.07.033

Original Source of Exercise Programs in Males Versus Females with Cystic Fibrosis