Physical activity and physical fitness have been described as important health-related outcomes for all age groups and children with chronic conditions. However, physical activity and physical fitness have not been studied in children with heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD) including Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Marfan syndrome (MFS), and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS).
A new research study assessed physical activity using an accelerometer and daily mobility using the questionnaire ‘Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test’ (PEDI-CAT). Physical fitness was measured in terms of cardiovascular endurance, maximal hand grip strength, and motor proficiency.
The study found that children with HCTD had reduced physical activity and physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and deconditioning. Physical activity and physical fitness limitations provide a starting point for tailor-made interventions to address the health problems associated with HCTD.
Physical activity and physical fitness in children with heritable connective tissue disorders
Front. Pediatr. 11:1057070. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1057070
Lisanne de Koning Jessica Warnink-Kavelaars, Marion van Rossum, Selina Limmen, Ruth Van der Looven, Laura Muiño- Mosquera, Annelies van der Hulst, Jaap Oosterlaan, Lies Rombaut, and Raoul Engelbert on behalf of the Pediatric Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders Study Group.
This study was financed by SIA RAAK PRO The Netherlands in collaboration with the Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
