A recent article in the American Heart Journal from researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto questions the use of physical activity restrictions for children after undergoing the Fontan operation. In the abstract online, the researchers studied how the information regarding restrictions are conveyed from the cardiologist, parent and in the medical charts - often these three sources disagree. Regardless of the cardiologist reported restrictions, 70% of parents reported that their child's activity was restricted. Parents and cardiologists report the same body contact restrictions, but differ for exertion and competition restrictions. Medical charts reflect competitive sport, but not body contact or exertion restrictions. So, what to do if you're a parent?
This study suggests that parents are left with uncertainty about physical activity, and rightly so, given the significant variance in the sources of information they receive.Primary care doctors are often not included in the loop (medical records don't reflect the restrictions for exertion and body contact).
Cardiologists need to work to ensure that activity restrictions are accurately conveyed, which will enable parents and primary care providers to confidently encourage the active lifestyles. And parents, talk to your cardiologists - don't take the advice of the primary doctor (though he or she may be correct). While your primary care physician is likely a wonderful, well rounded person, the specialist is better able to answer the questions specific to your child's condition.
This study suggests that parents are left with uncertainty about physical activity, and rightly so, given the significant variance in the sources of information they receive.Primary care doctors are often not included in the loop (medical records don't reflect the restrictions for exertion and body contact).
Cardiologists need to work to ensure that activity restrictions are accurately conveyed, which will enable parents and primary care providers to confidently encourage the active lifestyles. And parents, talk to your cardiologists - don't take the advice of the primary doctor (though he or she may be correct). While your primary care physician is likely a wonderful, well rounded person, the specialist is better able to answer the questions specific to your child's condition.
