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Physical exercise training in patients with a Fontan circulation: A systematic review
Linda E Scheffers1, Linda E M Vd Berg1,2, Gamida Ismailova2
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
|September 22, 2021
Summary
Exercise training appears safe and beneficial for individuals with Fontan circulation, improving exercise capacity and quality of life. This approach should be encouraged, with further research needed on optimal training protocols.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Patients with Fontan circulation often experience reduced exercise capacity, a key predictor of morbidity and mortality.
- Exercise training presents a potential strategy to enhance exercise capacity in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of exercise training in patients with Fontan circulation.
- To provide an overview of current insights into exercise training for Fontan patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies published up to February 2020 evaluating exercise training interventions in Fontan patients.
- Inclusion criteria identified 16 studies (22 publications) involving 264 Fontan patients (mean age 8.7-31 years).
- Investigated training types included inspiratory muscle, resistance, and aerobic training, with outcomes like peak oxygen uptake and quality of life assessed.
Main Results:
- Peak oxygen uptake significantly improved in 56% of studies, with an overall mean increase of +6.3% (+1.72 ml/kg/min).
- No negative outcome measures directly related to the exercise programs were reported.
- Adverse events occurred in four studies but were deemed unlikely to be training-related.
Conclusions:
- Exercise training is likely safe and beneficial for Fontan patients, positively impacting exercise capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life.
- Encouraging exercise training for Fontan patients is recommended.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal training type, intensity, duration, and long-term effects.
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