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Factors associated with the physical activity level of children who have the Fontan procedure

Patricia E Longmuir1, Jennifer L Russell, Mary Corey

  • 1Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

American Heart Journal
|February 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity in children after the Fontan procedure is linked to factors like medication, outdoor time, and family income, not just heart health. Interventions targeting these areas can help children meet recommended activity levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Children with complex heart defects often exhibit sedentary behavior, irrespective of their exercise capacity.
  • The Fontan procedure is a palliative surgery for complex single-ventricle congenital heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors associated with the physical activity levels of children who have undergone the Fontan procedure.
  • To understand the relationship between physical activity and various health and environmental factors in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 64 children (aged 5-11 years) post-Fontan procedure.
  • Measurements included moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiac status, cardiopulmonary capacity, motor skills, body composition, and perceived activity levels.

Main Results:

  • Children achieved 361 ± 137 minutes/week of MVPA.
  • Increased activity correlated with antithrombotic medication, lower resting heart rate, more outdoor time, lower family income, and higher parent-rated activity.
  • Decreased activity was associated with winter season, history of arrhythmia, and higher child self-efficacy for activity.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity post-Fontan procedure is influenced by non-cardiac factors.
  • Interventions addressing modifiable factors like medication, environment, and psychological confidence may improve activity levels.
  • Achieving recommended activity levels is crucial for optimal health in these children.
Abstract

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