Introduction:
Underlying structural lesions in congenital heart disease (CHD) result in differences in anatomy and physiology that may affect peak aerobic capacity (VO
2peak
). The relationship between sports participation and VO
2peak
is unclear in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine if children with CHD who participated in sports had a higher VO
2peak
than those who did not.
Methods:
Two-year, single-centre, retrospective review (May 2016-November 2018). Fifty-eight CHD patients were included: 9 aortic valve disease; 13 coarctation; 6 Ross procedure for aortic stenosis; 20 tetralogy of Fallot, and 10 transposition of the great arteries. Sports participation was categorized into 3 groups: 0-1 days/week; 2-3 days/week; and ≥4 days/week. A validated institutional treadmill protocol (BCCH) was used. Criteria for a maximal test included: VO
2
plateau, respiratory exchange ratio>1.0, and/or a peak heart rate >200 bpm. VO
2peak
z-scores, % VO
2
at ventilatory threshold, and O
2
Pulse were calculated. Medians and interquartile ranges are reported. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Those who participated in sports ≥2-3 days/week had a significantly higher VO
2peak
[39.9 (34.6, 48.1) vs 30.3 (27.8, 39.6) mL/min/kg; p<0.001], VO
2peak
z-score [-0.84 (-1.28,-0.30) vs -1.89 (-2.37, -1.16); p=0.002], and O
2
Pulse [0.20 (0.19, 0.25) vs 0.16 (0.14, 0.21) mL/beat/kg; p=0.004] compared to those who participated 0-1 day/week, respectively. There were no differences between those who participated in sports 2-3 days/week and ≥4 days/week. VO
2peak
was similar between CHD lesions (p=0.21).
Conclusions:
VO
2peak
is higher in those who participate in sports compared to those who do not. It is unclear whether those who have a higher VO
2peak
are more inclined to participate in sports or whether sports participation leads to a higher VO
2peak
. The role of exercise rehabilitation in the 0-1 day/week group needs to be explored.
Aerobic Fitness Is Related To Sports Participation In Children With Congenital Heart Disease
