Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Children With Congenital Heart Disease: Promising Results

Effects of a Virtual Home-Based Exercise Program on Physical Activity, Health-Related Fitness, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease

“…To limit the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs were temporarily suspended and subsequently altered. 1,2 The clinical consequences of these changes are unclear. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CR participation, utilization, and clinical outcomes.…”

“…A 10-session exercise program was conducted over 2 wk using an exercise video developed according to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. 1,2 The exercises were delivered synchronously via Zoom, with remote coaching and supervision by qualified exercise physiologists. Each session included a 10-min warm-up, 15 min of aerobic exercise, 15 min of strength exercises, 10 min of breathing exercises, and a 10-min cooldown with stretching, and lasted 60 min.…”

“…A 10-session exercise program was conducted over 2 wk using an exercise video developed according to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs 1,2. The exercises were delivered synchronously via Zoom, with remote coaching and supervision by qualified exercise physiologists.…”

“…Unfortunately, many children and adolescents with CHD often have reduced physical activity (PA), exercise capacity (cardiorespiratory fitness), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to various factors, including overprotective parents and limited excess to structured exercise programs. 1,2 To promote PA in this population, innovative strategies are needed to improve utility and effectiveness. 3 Home-based exercise programs have gained attention for promoting PA and health outcomes in patients with a cardiac disease.…”

“…With early detection and interventional programs, the survival for pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved, and current efforts are directed toward optimizing long-term survival. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents with CHD often have reduced physical activity (PA), exercise capacity (cardiorespiratory fitness), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to various factors, including overprotective parents and limited excess to structured exercise programs 1,2. To promote PA in this population, innovative strategies are needed to improve utility and effectiveness 3.…”