Determinants of Physical Fitness in Children with Repaired Congenital Heart Disease

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine factors associated with physical fitness (PF) in children who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). Sixty-six children (7 –14 years) who underwent surgery for ventricular septal defect (n = 19), transposition of great arteries (n = 22), coarctation of aorta (n = 10), and tetralogy of Fallot (n = 15) were included. All children performed PF tests: cardiorespiratory fitness, upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, speed, balance, and flexibility. Cardiac evaluation was done via echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Factors related to child’s characteristics, child’s li festyle, physical activity motivators/barriers, and parental factors were assessed. Linear regression analyses were conducted. The results showed no significant differences in physical activity (PA) level by CHD type. Boys had better cardiorespiratory fitness (difference = 1.86 ml/kg/min [0.51; 3.22]) and were more physically active (difference = 19.40 min/day [8.14;30.66]), while girls had better flexibility (difference = − 3.60 cm [− 7.07;− 0.14]). Physical activity motivators showed an association with four out of six PF components: cardiorespiratory fitness, coeffici ent = 0.063 [0.01;0.11]; upper-limb muscle strength, coefficient = 0.076 [0.01;0.14]; lower-limb muscle strength, coefficient = 0.598 [0.07;1.13]; and speed, coefficient = 0.03 [0.01;0.05]. Age, sex, and motiv...
Source: Mammalian Genome - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research