Newswise — Many children with serious congenital heart disease, who are typically urged to restrict their activity, can improve their cardiovascular function and exercise capacity through a cardiac rehabilitation program, say researchers at Children's Hospital Boston. Fifteen of 16 children participating in a 12-week rehabilitation program led by Jonathan Rhodes, MD, of Children's Department of Cardiology, showed significant, sustained gains in heart function.
Due to advances in caring for children with congenital heart defects, more and more children are surviving. Many have diminished exercise capacity after the defects are repaired, and some of this reduction is caused by a lack of activity, says Rhodes.
"These kids have been told by coaches, doctors, parents and teachers, 'Oh, you can't exercise,'" he says. But with careful testing to ensure safety, exercise is generally safe and enjoyable, he adds.
For more information, see: http://www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom/Site1339/mainpageS1339P1sublevel181.html
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http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/118/3/e586
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