Assessment of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Defects Pages 121-127

Asle Hirth1 and Ansgar Berg2

1Department of Paediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, NO-5021 Bergen, Norway; 2Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, NO-5021 Bergen, Norway

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12970/2311-052X.2014.02.03.5

Abstract: Disorder of the cardiovascular system is the most common cause of death worldwide and sufficient physical activity plays an import role in preventing these deaths. Children and adolescents with congenital heart defect are at risk of living a sedentary life as a result of overprotection and uncertainty regarding physical activity recommendations. Assessment of physical activity level should therefore be part of regular follow-up in this population. A whole range of subjective and objective measure instruments of physical activity are available. However, not all are suitable in children and adolescents. Questionnaires have the advantage of being inexpensive and simple, but reduced recall capability of children and adolescents and low-to-moderate correlation with objective measures of physical activity are of concern. At present a single unobtrusive motion sensor allowing valid and long-term monitoring of physical activity may be the best choice.

Keywords: Congenital heart defect, children, physical activity, assessment. Read more