Comparison of Physical Activity and Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents with and without Congenital Heart Disease: A Propensity Matched Comparison / 대한스포츠의학회지

ABSTRACT

Physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are associated with overall health outcomes in adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of physical activity and HRQOL in adolescents with CHD and healthy controls. In addition, we compared these variables using a propensity score matching to reduce the confounding effects. Participants were divided into three groups with simple CHD (n=55), complex CHD (n=173), and healthy controls (n=181). Self-reported physical activity levels (metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-hr/wk) were obtained using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. HRQOL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaire. Total scores of HRQOL in adolescents with complex CHD were significantly lower than those with simple CHD (p=0.022) and healthy controls (p<0.001), respectively; however, there was no significant difference in total scores of HRQOL between adolescents with simple CHD and healthy controls. Levels of physical activity in adolescents with complex CHD were significantly lower than those with simple CHD (p=0.001) and healthy controls (p<0.001). After propensity matched analysis (44 pairs), the results were consistent with the above results. In conclusion, HRQOL scores and physical activity levels are significantly lower in adolescents with complex CHD, but not in adolescents with simple CHD, than in healthy adolescents.