OBJECTIVES This exploratory mixed-methods study explored the barriers to physical activity, daily physical activity and submaximal exercise capacity among children with and at risk for cardiomyopathy and children with atrial septal defects. METHODS The study followed a convergent parallel mixed methodology design. Semi-structured interviews explored physical activity barriers. Seven-day accelerometry assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and an intermittent cardiopulmonary exercise test measured submaximal exercise capacity. RESULTS Twenty children, including 5 with cardiomyopathy (n=2 females, 14.2 ± 2.7 years old), 7 who were genotype-positive phenotype-negative for cardiomyopathy (n=5 females, 10.6 ± 3.3 years old) and 8 with atrial septal defects (n=4 females, 9.4 ± 3.8 years old) were recruited. Children with cardiomyopathy reported disease-specific physical activity barriers, while children who were genotype-positive phenotype-negative perceived barriers related to lack of time, parent support or activity motivation. The average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was less than the recommended 60-minutes/day (n=20, mean 48.1 ± 18.0 minutes). Children with cardiomyopathy participated a median of 141.2 [interquartile range (IQR): 98.8) minutes of light-intensity physical activity and a median of 55.6 (IQR: 34.6) minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The average submaximal exercise capacity was low (n=16, 25.2 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min). Estimated submaximal exercise capacity, including metabolic equivalent (4.5 ± 3.1 METs), respiratory exchange ratio (median = 1.0, IQR: 0.09) and ratings of perceived exertion (median = 7, IQR: 5) at peak exercise suggest that children with cardiomyopathy appear to have the exercise capacity to participate in low-to-moderate intensity activities. CONCLUSIONS These novel data suggest that a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy may not preclude children from participating in a healthy, active lifestyle. However, they perceive disease-specific physical activity barriers and may require support to optimize their level of participation for optimal health.
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