Facilitators and barriers of physical activity participation in children with a single ventricle physiology: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Abstract Background: The present study focuses on assessing the physical activity level of children with Fontan circulation for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and identifying potential barriers and facilitators toward their participation in physical activity. Patients and methods: Seven children aged 5–16 years (mean (SD) 8.8 (3.7) years) with a Fontan procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, their parents (n = 7), and siblings (n = 1) were recruited. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach: (i) children wore an activity monitor for 7 days to record physical activity, with sedentary time and level of activity calculated from accelerometer data; (ii) children completed a bespoke questionnaire recording limitations in physical activity; (iii) parents completed a semi-structured interview discussing perceptions about their child’s physical activity participation. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Activity monitors data recorded highly active children with a mean (SD) of 153(36) minutes/day spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Time spent in sedentary behaviour was also high (57.5% of total accelerometer wearing-time). Four key themes relating to parental perceptions of physical activity were identified: (i) A new lease of life –post-Fontan; (ii) Setting limits – managing limitations; (iii) The wider world – how others set limits; and (iv) “I fear the future” – parental concerns. Conclusion: Following completion of the Fontan circulation, children engaged in higher levels of physical activity in comparison to the national average. However, more than half their time was spent in sedentary behaviour. Fears and anxiety from parents and teachers may act as a barrier toward physical activity participation.