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Self-Reported Physical Activities of Children Aged 9 to 14 Years Who Have Been Treated For Congenital Heart Disease
Azer Ahmadov1, Akif Kavgacı2, Serdar Kula2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Children treated for congenital heart disease (CHD) show reduced physical activity post-treatment. This highlights the need for interventions to encourage more exercise in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) often face limitations in physical activity due to parental and physician concerns.
- Assessing post-treatment physical activity levels is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the level of physical activity in children after treatment for congenital heart disease.
- To compare physical activity in treated CHD patients with healthy peers.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study involving 40 children (aged 9-14) treated for CHD at least 12 months prior.
- Inclusion of a control group of 40 healthy children.
- Data collection via demographic forms and the Turkish version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Children with a history of CHD reported significantly less engagement in running (P=.013) and gymnastics (P=.014).
- A significant difference was observed in participation in physical education classes in the past week (P=.001).
Conclusions:
- Children treated for CHD exhibit limited physical activity even when clinically stable.
- Educational strategies are needed to promote increased physical engagement in pediatric CHD survivors.
Abstract:
Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) often experience limited physical activity due to protective behavior from parents and physicians. This study aimed to assess whether physical activity remains insufficient in children post-CHD treatment. A descriptive study was conducted with 40 children aged 9 to 14 years who had been treated for CHD at least 12 months prior and were clinically stable without medication. A control group of 40 healthy peers was included. Physical activity data were collected using a demographic form and the Physical Activity Questionnaire adapted to the Turkish language. The patient group reported significantly lower engagement in running (P = .013) and gymnastics (P =.014). Also, the difference between the groups in terms of their degrees of engagement in physical education classes in the last 7 days was significant (P = .001). Despite being free from heart disease, these children demonstrated limited physical activity, which in turn underscores the educational objective of enhancing encouragement to foster greater physical engagement.
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