Perceived Health Mediates Effects of Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Patients With a Fontan Circulation

Abstract Background The interplay between gender, Physical Activity (PA) and Dual Task (DT) gait in older adults is unclear. This study aimed to address DT gait based on gender and PA level in older adults. Methods Gait measures were collected using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) during the 10-meter and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests in single and DT conditions. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to measure PA. A total of 120 community-dwelling older adults (81 women and 39 men) took part. Participants were divided according to gender and PA level into four groups (women achieving (WA = 31), women not achieving (WN = 50), men Achieving (MA = 29) and men not achieving (MN = 10)). The achievement of PA was determined by total Metabolic Equivalent (MET) – Minute/week ≥ 600. Cognition, health-related quality of life, falls history and health status was measured. Results Women had poorer performance in time, gait velocity and stride length regardless of PA level. The cognitive condition had the greatest effect on gait parameters in all groups, except for stride length which decreased more under the motor condition. Women who did not achieve the PA guidelines had poorer perceived health-related quality of life than men who achieved and did not achieve the guidelines. Conclusions The findings suggest that women, regardless of PA level, experience greater deterioration under ST and DT conditions in 10-meter walk and TUG tests in terms of time and gait measures such as velocity and stride length. This interplay cannot be explained by PA alone since it could be reflective of poorer perceived health and frailty in older women. These findings are considered of importance when planning DT and PA interventions that aim to increase PA levels and promote function in older women.

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Can a Home-based Cardiac Physical Activity Program Improve the Physical Function Quality of Life in Children with Fontan Circulation?

Congenital Heart Disease ◽

10.1111/chd.12330 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 175-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Roni M. Jacobsen ◽

Salil Ginde ◽

Kathleen Mussatto ◽

Jennifer Neubauer ◽

Michael Earing ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Function ◽

Fontan Circulation ◽

Physical Activity Program ◽

Activity Program ◽

Home Based

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Response to Comment on the original paper entitled “Can a home-based cardiac physical activity program improve and sustain quality of life and exercise capacity in children with Fontan circulation?”

Progress in Pediatric Cardiology ◽

10.1016/j.ppedcard.2018.11.006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 52 ◽

pp. 3

Author(s):

Roni M. Jacobsen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Exercise Capacity ◽

Fontan Circulation ◽

Physical Activity Program ◽

Activity Program ◽

Home Based

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Study Protocol of the Exercise Study: Unraveling Limitations for Physical Activity in Children With Chronic Diseases Order to Target Them With Tailored Interventions—A Randomized Cross Over Trial

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.791701 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Linda E. Scheffers ◽

Willem A. Helbing ◽

Elisabeth M. W. J. Utens ◽

Gwen C. Dieleman ◽

Karolijn Dulfer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Exercise Capacity ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Fontan Circulation ◽

Dietary Advice ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Introduction: Physical activity is associated with many physiological and psychological health benefits across the lifespan. Children with a chronic disease often have lower levels of daily physical activity, and a decreased exercise capacity compared to healthy peers. In order to learn more about limitations for physical activity, we investigate children with four different chronic diseases: children with a Fontan circulation, children with Broncho Pulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), Pompe disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Each of these diseases is likely to interfere with physical activity in a different way. Knowing the specific limitations for physical activity would make it possible to target these, and increase physical activity by a personalized intervention. The aim of this study is to first investigate limitations for physical activity in children with various chronic diseases. Secondly, to measure the effects of a tailored exercise intervention, possibly including a personalized dietary advice and/or psychological counseling, on exercise capacity, endurance, quality of life, fatigue, fear for exercise, safety, muscle strength, physical activity levels, energy balance, and body composition.Methods and Analysis: This randomized crossover trial will aim to include 72 children, aged 6–18 years, with one of the following diagnosis: a Fontan circulation, BPD, Pompe disease and IBD. Eligible patients will participate in the 12-week tailored exercise intervention and are either randomized to start with a control period or start with the intervention. The tailored 12-week exercise interventions, possibly including a personalized dietary advice and/or psychological counseling, will be designed based on the found limitations for physical activity in each disease group during baseline measurements by the Rotterdam Exercise Team. Effects of the tailored training interventions will be measured on the following endpoints: exercise capacity (measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test), endurance, physical activity levels, muscle strength, quality of life, fatigue, fear for exercise, disease activity, cardiac function (in children with a Fontan circulation), energy balance, and body composition.Ethics and Dissemination: Conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Medical-ethical approval was obtained.Trial Registration Number: NL8181, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8181.

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