Effect of physical training on exercise performance of children following surgical repair of congenital heart disease.

The effect of physical training on the exercise performance of 26 patients following surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (16 patients) and ventricular septal defect (ten patients) was evaluated. Base line exercise testing was performed on a bicycle ergometer using the technique of Godfrey. Patients were placed on a six-week alternate day submaximal interval home exercise program of varying duration and intensity. Work loads at 50%, 60%, and 70% maximum oxygen consumption were selected to maintain heart rates between 130 and 160 beats per minute. Subjects completed an average of 18 of the possible 21 training sessions (range 11 to 21). A 25% improvement (p less than .001) was noted in maximum work capacity (747 to 935 km). Sixty-five percent of the patients performed at less than expected maximum work capacity prior to training, but only 31% performed at less than expected maximum work capacity after training. Repeat testing at work loads of one-third, one-half, and two-thirds the original maximum work capacity revealed improved aerobic efficiency as manifested by significantly decreased oxygen consumption and heart rate at each level of work. No significant difference was noted in maximum oxygen consumption. It is concluded that physical training can improve the exercise performance of patients after surgical repair, permitting the individuals to function at levels of activity at, or closely approaching, normal.