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Reduced Physical Activity During COVID-19 Pandemic in Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Nicole M Hemphill1, Mimi T Y Kuan1, Kevin C Harris1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|May 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 precautions significantly reduced physical activity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Lower Fitbit step counts highlight the need to address activity barriers for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) face heightened risks for COVID-19 and related cardiovascular complications.
  • Physical activity is crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risk in pediatric CHD patients.
  • COVID-19 public health measures may impede essential physical activity for these children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To objectively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity levels in children with CHD.
  • To quantify changes in daily step counts before and during the initial phase of the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Fitbit devices for continuous, objective measurement of physical activity.
  • Compared step count data from children with CHD during late March and early April 2020 against historical data from 2019 and early March 2020.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in Fitbit step counts was observed in children with CHD during late March and early April 2020.
  • Physical activity levels were markedly lower compared to the same period in 2019 and the preceding weeks of March 2020.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures demonstrably reduced physical activity in children with CHD.
  • Understanding and addressing these activity barriers is critical for managing the long-term health of pediatric CHD patients.
  • Further research is needed to explore sustained impacts and develop supportive interventions.

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