Is Cyanosis Exposure Associated with Exercise Capacity or Daily Physical Activity in Children with Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Highlights What are the main findings? • Age and cardiopulmonary exercise test duration are the strongest predictors of daily physical activity behavior among children with congenital heart disease.• Longer exposure to cyanosis negatively impacts the submaximal exercise capacity needed for an active lifestyle. What are the implications of the main findings? • Children with prolonged exposure to cyanosis are at increased risk for a sedentary lifestyle.• Clinicians can estimate daily physical activity behavior from cardiopulmonary exercise test duration. Abstract Background/Objectives: Children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) often exhibit lower levels of physical activity, but whether chronic cyanosis exposure is associated with activity participation is unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated whether the duration of cyanosis prior to surgical correction was associated with submaximal or maximal exercise tolerance or daily habitual physical activity. Methods: Thirty-six children (10–17 years) with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), or Fontan physiology were tested with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (Bruce treadmill protocol) and 7 days of accelerometry. Cyanosis duration from birth to surgery was calculated. Results: Only 17% of participants were meeting daily physical activity recommendations. Age and exercise time were the strongest predictors of activity behavior. Children with <2 months of cyanosis had peak VO2…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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