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Exercise Capacity and Training Programs in Paediatric Fontan Patients: A Systematic Review
Jessica E Herrmann1, Elif Seda Selamet Tierney1,2
1Department of Pediatrics/Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
CJC Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
|November 16, 2023
Summary
Exercise training programs safely improve exercise capacity in pediatric Fontan patients. This systematic review found significant improvements in exercise measures with no adverse events in these young individuals with congenital heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Adults with congenital heart disease, including Fontan patients, benefit from exercise training.
- Limited research exists on exercise training's impact on pediatric Fontan populations.
- This study reviews exercise capacity and training effects in children with Fontan physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review exercise capacity in pediatric Fontan patients.
- To assess the impact of exercise training programs on cardiovascular health in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Searched Medline and Embase databases (1990-2021).
- Included studies with pediatric Fontan patients (≤20 years).
- Extracted cardiopulmonary exercise parameters and training protocols.
Main Results:
- Fontan patients showed significantly lower peak exercise capacity than healthy peers.
- Nine training programs exclusively for pediatric Fontan patients were identified.
- All analyzed programs showed significant improvements in exercise capacity without adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Exercise training programs can safely and effectively enhance exercise capacity in pediatric Fontan patients.
- Improvements were observed in maximal and submaximal exercise measures.
- Further research supports incorporating exercise interventions for this population.
