Functional muscle power in the lower extremity in adults with congenital heart disease

We aimed to investigate functional muscular power in the lower extremity in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and compare results with those of healthy persons. Secondarily, we set out to assess muscle power in relation to age, sex, and complexity of ACHD.

Between 2013 and 2019, 1126 patients attended the ACHD Unit of Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra and performed a test battery to determine physical fitness. Of these patients, 559 who performed the Timed-Stands Test (TST)-which requires 10 stands from a chair at the maximal possible speed-were included in the study.

Patients with ACHD performed the TST slower than reference (14.6 s [12.0-18.0] vs. 11.7 s [9.8-14.3], p < 0.001). Men with ACHD performed the TST more rapidly or according to reference in 8% of patients aged 18-39 years, 21% of patients aged 40-65 years, and 55% of patients aged >65 years. Women with ACHD performed the TST more rapidly or according to reference in 21% of patients aged 18-39 years, 56% of patients aged 40-65 years, and 32% of patients aged >65 years. Men with ACHD performed the TST significantly faster than women with ACHD (p < 0.001).

Decreased functional muscle power was observed in patients with ACHD and was most pronounced in patients aged 18-39 years. Decreased muscle power is important to detect and requires further assessment because it may contribute to an increased risk of falling and developing lifestyle related diseases.