Enhanced Physiology for Submaximal Exercise in Children after the Fontan Procedure.

The article discusses a study of peak and submaximal exercise capacity during physical activity in children following the Fontan surgical procedure for congenital heart disease. Heart rate and oxygen consumption was evaluated in the subjects after cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Physical activity was then recorded for fiver consecutive days using accelerometers. The results indicated lower submaximal heart rate responses, suggesting the presence of physiological limitations following Fontan surgery. The authors recommend the inclusion of submaximal exercise in the rehabilitation of children after Fontan surgery.