Improved perceived health status persists three months after a special sports camp for children with congenital heart disease.

<bold>Introduction: </bold>Although summer and sports camps for children with congenital heart disease are organized in many countries and regions, empirical data on the effects of such camps is limited.<bold>Objectives: </bold>The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in the perceived health status and habitual physical activities in children attending a special sports camp.<bold>Materials and Methods: </bold>In this longitudinal study, 25 children with congenital heart disease who participated in a three-day multi-sports camp were included. The perceived health status was measured using the Child Health Questionnaire-Child Form, CHQ-CF87, completed by the child at the start of the camp (T1), at the end of the camp (T2), and 3 months after the camp concluded (T3). Habitual physical activities were assessed by means of a modified version of the Baecke questionnaire, which was completed by one of the parents at T1 and T3.<bold>Results: </bold>During the sports camp, we observed significant improvements in the children's perception of their physical functioning, role-physical functioning, general health, role-emotional functioning, self-esteem, mental health, and general behavior. For physical functioning, role-emotional functioning, and family activities, high scores persisted three months after the sports camp concluded. The habitual physical activities (sport and leisure time) of the children remained unchanged.<bold>Discussion and Conclusion: </bold>In conclusion, we propose that a special sports camp for children with congenital heart disease may improve specific dimensions of subjective health status. Our study confirms a previous report on the benefits of such camps for afflicted children. If these findings can be further corroborated in other settings, participation in sport camps should be advocated as a simple, noninvasive means to promote healthier children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]