Pulmonary Function of Adolescents and Adults with Spina Bifida

Pulmonary dysfunction is one of the most common reasons for death of adults with spina bifida (SB). Restrictive lung disease is prevalent among this population and is thought to be a predictor for pneumonia and poor exercise tolerance. Little research has investigated the cardiopulmonary function at rest and during exercise in people with SB. The objective of this research is to determine if pulmonary or cardiac function is the primary limiting factor during exercise testing in adolescents and adults with SB and if restrictive lung conditions are present and associated with body morphology, physical activity and function.