Occupational Performance Challenges for Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Literature Review

Abstract

As cardiac rehabilitation program planning becomes more commonplace for children, comprehensive programs that promote optimal occupational performance need to be developed, implemented and evaluated.

Physical activity is associated with improved aerobic exercise capacity over time in adults with congenital heart disease

“…Several factors may account for these observations. Residual hemodynamic and electrophysiological defects are often present following surgical “repair.” Congenital heart disease (and its treatments) may also cause, or be associated with, impairment of other organs including the pulmonary and systemic vascular beds, lung and airways, central nervous system, and neuroendocrine system,[7, 8, 9] that can affect exercise capacity.…”

Quality of Life of Adolescents and Young Adults Born at High Risk

“…Similarly, difficulties with physical growth, gross-motor abnormalities, depression and anxiety disorders (Green, 2004), and subtle cognitive and speech impairments (Limperopoulos et al, 2002) are common in children with CHD. Studies have shown that youth who were exposed to perinatal biologic stresses have mild motor, cognitive, and/or behavioral impairments, and those who live in overprotected family environments are more socially deprived and have a more sedentary lifestyle when compared with healthy peers (Dua, Cooper, Fox, & Graham Stuart, 2007;Eiser, Eiser, Mayhew, & Gibson, 2005;Imms, 2004). Furthermore, adolescents and young adults living with a childhoodonset developmental disability are restricted in life roles, such as employment, interpersonal relationships, and leisure and recreation, which may have a negative impact on their quality of life (QoL; Roebroeck, Jahnsen, Carona, Kent, & Chamberlain, 2009;The WHOQOL Group, 1995).…”

Activities in daily living and schoolwork task performance in children with complex congenital heart disease

“…Despite these limitations our results strengthen earlier findings, showing that underlying functional limitations among these children can result in deficits and dependence in daily life (10). Given previous studies showing developmental delays (5–7) and that children with CHD risk psychological, psychosocial and behavioural difficulties and poor academic performance (8), it is not surprising to also find difficulties in performing ADL and schoolwork tasks.…”

“…It is also increasingly recognized that survivors often display a pattern of developmental delays similar to that seen among premature infants, characterized by learning disabilities, behavioural ‘abnormalities’, inattention and hyperactivity (5–7). A recent review of the literature reveals that children with complex CHD, besides risking psychological, psychosocial and behavioural difficulties, are also at risk for poor academic performance (8). This pattern is also found in those children viewed as having mild disabling conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder or learning disabilities, which are at higher risk for developing mental health problems and of dropping out of school (9).…”