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Physical activity in the Fontan population: provider recommendations and patient actions.

Authors :
Pierick AR
Marshall D
Yu S
Lowery R
Glenn T
Hansen JE
Pickles D
Norris MD
Russell MW
Schumacher KR
Source :
Cardiology in the young [Cardiol Young] 2024 Oct 14, pp. 1-7. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 14.
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Ahead of Print

Abstract

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that routine physical activity may improve exercise capacity, long-term outcomes, and quality of life in individuals with Fontan circulation. Despite this, it is unclear how active these individuals are and what guidance they receive from medical providers regarding physical activity. The aim of this study was to survey Fontan patients on personal physical activity behaviours and their cardiologist-directed physical activity recommendations to set a baseline for future targeted efforts to improve this.<br />Methods: An electronic survey assessing physical activity habits and cardiologist-directed guidance was developed in concert with content experts and patients/parents and shared via a social media campaign with Fontan patients and their families.<br />Results: A total of 168 individuals completed the survey. The median age of respondents was 10 years, 51% identifying as male. Overall, 21% of respondents spend > 5 hours per week engaged in low-exertion activity and only 7% spend > 5 hours per week engaged in high-exertion activity. In all domains questioned, pre-adolescents reported higher participation rates than adolescents. Nearly half (43%) of respondents reported that they do not discuss activity recommendations with their cardiologist.<br />Conclusions: Despite increasing evidence over the last two decades demonstrating the benefit of exercise for individuals living with Fontan circulation, only a minority of patients report engaging in significant amounts of physical activity or discussing activity goals with their cardiologist. Specific, individualized, and actionable education needs to be provided to patients, families, and providers to promote and support regular physical activity in this patient population.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1467-1107
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Cardiology in the young
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39397769
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1047951124026076