Physical Activity & Exercise Pathway for Patients with ConHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Evaluation of a Physical Activity and Exercise Promotion Pathway for Young Patients with Congenital Heart Disease
IRAS ID
252807
Contact name
Graham Stuart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Bristol
ISRCTN Number
16613503
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 20 days
Research summary
Increased physical activity has been shown to result in improved physical fitness, quality of life and self confidence with reduced anxiety in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Although in comparison to adults, there are relatively few data on the benefit of physical activity for children and adolescents with CHD, it is clear that increasing physical activity plays an important beneficial role in long-term cardiovascular and general health. However, while clinicians recognise the importance of promoting physical activity to children with CHD, ‘how’ it is best promoted and delivered to the young patients is not known. Most guidelines for patients with CHD are focused on restriction of competitive sports and are also devised for adults. However, competitive sport is only one part of being physically active, with physical activity being defined as ‘any increase in movement, which results in energy expenditure greater than rest’ and therefore can include activities such as walking, dancing, jogging, swimming.
Aims of the Project: valuate a 6 month physical activity promotion programme and assess improvements in physical and mental health. We plan to introduce a formalised structure ("exercise prescription") to promote the use of physical activity for young patients with CHD.
Method: This is a randomised control trial study. Seventy six participants (n=38 each in the intervention and control groups) will be recruited. Measurements of physical (aerobic fitness, heart function using ultrasound, heart rate and movement monitor) and mental health (questionnaires) will be assessed before and after the programme to assess change. Patient interviews will be used to assess the value and acceptability of the individualised plan with the aim of developing a simple, exercise prescription strategy for the non-expert.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SW/0021
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion