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Updated: May 22, 2026

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Factors associated with low physical activity levels following pediatric cardiac transplantation
Laura Banks1, Anne I Dipchand, Cedric Manlhiot
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Objectively measured MVPA levels following pediatric cardiac transplantation are unknown despite physical health implications. We sought to determine factors associated with MVPA in a pediatric cohort who had undergone cardiac transplantation.
Methods:
Study assessments included maximal exercise testing (VO(2) max), accelerometry, and physical activity (HAES) and functional health status (CHQ-PF50) questionnaires.
Results:
Participants (n = 20, 60% male, age: 11.8 ± 3.0 yr old) had a VO(2) max of 28.5 ± 6.8 mL/kg/min (%-predicted: 65 ± 14%) and maximal heart rate of 154 ± 16 beats/min (%-predicted: 73 ± 7.5%). Participants performed a median of 7.6 min/day (Q1 4.0 min/day, Q3 11.0 min/day) of MVPA. Each additional year of age at transplantation was associated with a decrease of 1.9 [1.0] min/day of MVPA (p = 0.07). Predicted VO(2) max, maximal power output, male sex, and age at study enrollment were not associated with an increase in MVPA. Parents' perception of their child's functional health status (CHQ-PF50) was lower on general health (p < 0.01) and family activity (p < 0.01) domains relative to a population-based cohort of parents reporting on healthy children.
Conclusion:
Pediatric cardiac transplantation recipients may be indicated to participate in cardiac rehabilitation to optimize physical activity levels.
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