Children with congenital heart disease exhibit seasonal variation in physical activity

Abstract

Objective We sought to identify seasonal variation in physical activity that different physical activity measurement tools can capture in children with congenital heart disease. Methods Data were collected as part of a prospective cohort study at BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada. Daily step counts of children aged 9–16 years with moderate-to-severe CHD were assessed continuously for 1-year via a commercial activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 2™). Physical activity levels were also assessed conventionally at one time-point via accelerometers (ActiGraph) and physical activity questionnaires. Results 156 children (mean age 12.7±2.4 years; 42% female) participated in the study. Fitbit data (n = 96) over a 1-year period clearly illustrated seasonal peaks (late spring and autumn) and dips (winter and summer school holidays) in physical activity levels, with group mean values being below 12,000 steps per day throughout the year. According to conventional accelerometry data (n = 142), 26% met guidelines, which tended to differ according to season of measurement (spring: 39%, summer: 11%, fall: 20%, winter: 39%; p-value = 0.053). Questionnaire data (n = 134) identified that the most widely reported activities were walking (81%) and running (78%) with walking being the highest in summer and fall and running in winter and spring. Furthermore, regardless of overall activity levels the children exhibit similar seasonal variation. Conclusions We demonstrated that physical activity level changes across seasons in children with CHD. It is important to be aware of these fluctuations when assessing and interpreting physical activity levels. Season specific counselling for physical activity may be beneficial in a clinical setting.

Utility of Fitbit devices among children and adolescents with chronic health conditions: a scoping review

“…One study further claimed there are no adverse effects of Fitbit devices ( 32 ). Nine of 25 studies contrarily discussed disadvantages of Fitbit devices, including not being designed for children ( 38 ), being difficult to use ( 39 , 40 ), causing rash and eczema ( 40 ), falling off during exercise ( 41 ), having limited data collection abilities ( 30 , 37 , 42 ), and having a likelihood of non-compliance in adolescents ( 30 , 33 ) ( Table 6 ).…”

Influence of upper limb activity on the step count and accuracy of sleep time of a wristband-type physical activity tracker

“…Previous studies have reported that consumer PATs, such as those manufactured by Fitbit, Garmin and Jawbone are worn by rehabilitation subjects to capture the outcome of physical activity [13,23,37,38]. However, since these devices use step counts and estimated energy expenditure as the main outcomes, one could conjecture that the physical activity consists only of walking.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that the wristband-type consumer PATs are not practical for comparative assessment with others, but that they can be used for capturing changes within the user [38][39][40]. It is known that if appropriate support is not provided to the patient population undergoing rehabilitation, mortality and the degree of long-term care may worsen due to a decrease in physical activity and disrupted sleep cycle, leading to irregular daytime sleeping [3,4,41].…”

Reduced Physical Activity During COVID-19 in Children With Congenital Heart Disease: A Longitudinal Analysis

“…Typically, reduced physical activity levels observed during summer vacation are followed by increased physical activity when students return to school. 25 , 26 Schools are well known to provide opportunities and facilities for physical activity through physical education class, recess, and structured sport teams. 27 , 28 Our data suggest that despite the prior beneficial effect of school on physical activity participation, the extended period of inactivity since March 2020 due to COVID-19 related restrictions may have adversely affected physical activity behaviour in children with CHD upon resumption of school.…”