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Researchers at University of Tsukuba report that patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who were more physically active during childhood spend less time engaging in sedentary behavior and participate in higher levels of physical activity in adulthood. These findings may help inform the development of individualized lifestyle interventions for patients with CHD.

Tsukuba, Japan—Advances in cardiac management and surgical techniques have enabled approximately 90% of individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) to survive into adulthood. Despite this progress, adults with CHD remain at increased risk for acquired cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. Reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity are key to improving health outcomes in this population. However, the long-term relationship between early-life physical activity and adult activity patterns has not been well characterized. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between childhood physical activity and adult sedentary behavior and physical activity among individuals with CHD.

Physical activity during childhood (elementary school years), as well as sedentary behavior and physical activity in adulthood (at the time of the study), were assessed in 125 patients with CHD aged 18-74 years. Childhood physical activity was assessed using questionnaire-based measures, including the frequency of outdoor play, participation in physical education classes, involvement in sports clubs, and the presence or absence of exercise restrictions. Sedentary behavior and physical activity in adulthood were objectively measured using accelerometers.

The analysis demonstrated that individuals who sometimes or often engaged in outdoor play during childhood had significantly less sedentary time and spent more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adulthood compared with those who rarely or never played outdoors. In addition, individuals who experienced exercise restrictions during childhood had lower levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adulthood.

Sedentary behavior and physical activity are key determinants of health in patients with CHD. These findings suggest that childhood physical activity is an important factor influencing adult sedentary behavior and physical activity patterns in this population. Overall, these results provide evidence that may support the development of personalized lifestyle interventions aimed at promoting long-term health in this population.

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This work was supported in part by a KAKENHI Grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (23K15124 and 23K16742) and the Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance at the University of Tsukuba.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Association between childhood physical activity and adulthood sedentary behavior and physical activity in patients with congenital heart disease

Journal:

Canadian Journal of Cardiology

DOI:

10.1016/j.cjca.2026.02.055

Correspondence

Assistant Professor KOSAKI Keisei
Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Researcher MATSUI Masahiro
Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

Related Link

Institute of Health and Sport Sciences
Institute of Medicine