Flexibility and Strength Measures in Children Participating in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Children with surgically corrected congenital heart disease often experience limitations in physical strength and flexibility.
• Optimizing physical function is crucial for improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a structured rehabilitation program on the strength and flexibility of pediatric patients post-congenital heart surgery.

Main Methods:

• Twelve children (8 boys, 4 girls) engaged in supervised exercise sessions for 12 weeks (2 sessions/week, 1 hour/session).
• Evaluated changes in upper and lower extremity strength and various flexibility measures.

Main Results:

• Lower extremity strength increased by 10% (right) and 5% (left).
• Overall flexibility improved by approximately 25% in the lower extremities.
• Significant improvements were observed in neck flexion, hip/oblique rotation, hamstring/low back stretch, and heel cord stretch.

Conclusions:

• A structured rehabilitation program effectively enhances strength and flexibility in children following complex heart surgery.
• These improvements can contribute to a more normalized lifestyle for these young patients.