Preliminary Evaluation of Sedentary Lifestyle in Italian Children after Solid Transplant: What Role Could Physical Activity Play in Health? It Is Time to Move
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Published on: August 22, 2012
Eliana Tranchita1, Giulia Cafiero1, Ugo Giordano1
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology and Heart Lung Transplant, Division of Sports Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients show low physical activity (PA) levels, with many not meeting WHO guidelines. Increased PA engagement is crucial for improving transplant survivors' life expectancy and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Physical Activity and Health
Background:
- Medical-surgical advances have improved pediatric solid organ transplant survival rates.
- Transplant recipients face increased risk of long-term complications, including cardiovascular disease.
- Physical activity (PA) is recognized for its therapeutic role in mitigating these complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of physical activity in pediatric patients post-solid organ transplantation.
- To identify sedentary behaviors and exercise patterns in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and Adolescents was administered.
- Data collected from 49 pediatric solid organ transplant recipients within the first 4 weeks of the school year.
Main Results:
- 32.7% of pediatric transplant recipients did not engage in exercise during school physical education.
- Only 24% reported moderate exercise (2-3 times/week) in the preceding week.
- A significant 72% exhibited sedentary behaviors during weekends.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric transplant recipients are not meeting minimum World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for PA and sedentary behavior.
- There is a critical need to enhance participation in PA programs to improve life expectancy and quality of life for these young survivors.
Background:
Advances in the medical-surgical field have significantly increased survival after solid organ transplantation in the pediatric population. However, these patients are predisposed to the development of long-term complications (e.g., cardiovascular disease). The therapeutic role of physical activity (PA) to counteract these complications is well known. The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of PA in a pediatric population after solid organ transplantation.
Methods:
In the first 4 weeks at the beginning of the school year, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and Adolescents was administered to young patients who had previously undergone solid transplants at our institute.
Results:
Questionnaires of 49 patients (57.1% female, mean age 13.2 ± 3.5 years) were analyzed and 32.7% of subjects did not perform any exercise during school physical education classes. Only 24% practiced a moderate quantity of exercise in the previous week (2-3 times/week) and 72% engaged in sedentary behaviors during weekends.
Conclusions:
Preliminary data confirmed that young recipients are still far from meeting the minimum indications of the World Health Organization on PA and sedentary behavior. It will be necessary to increase their involvement in PA programs in order not only to increase their life expectancy but also to improve their quality of life.
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