Association Between Childhood Physical Activity and Adulthood Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity in Patients...

Sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) are key lifestyle factors that influence the health of individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD). Early-life activity experiences might have long-lasting effects on movement behaviours, even in populations with congenital cardiac conditions. However, the relationship between childhood PA and objectively measured SB and PA in adulthood among patients with CHD remains unclear. In this study we aimed to examine the association between childhood PA and adulthood SB and PA in individuals with CHD.

In this cross-sectional study, 125 adults with CHD (aged 18-74 years) were included. Childhood PA -comprising outdoor play frequency and PA restriction-was assessed retrospectively using questionnaires. Adult SB, light-intensity PA, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were objectively measured using a triaxial accelerometer.

Participants who reported playing outdoors sometimes had significantly lower SB time (β = -0.269; P = 0.037) and higher MVPA time (β = 0.313, P = 0.012) compared with those who rarely or never played outdoors. Similarly, those who played outdoors often showed lower SB time (β = -0.273, P = 0.034) and higher MVPA time (β = 0.325, P = 0.009). Moreover, a history of PA restriction during childhood was associated with lower MVPA in adulthood (β = -0.242; P = 0.041).

Childhood outdoor play frequency was associated with adult SB and MVPA, whereas childhood PA restriction was related to lower MVPA levels in adulthood. Prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations and elucidate their underlying mechanisms.