Comparison of peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity and activities of daily living in frail and non-frail adult individuals with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Background/Introduction: Frailty is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and risks of all-cause mortality, leading to a reduction in life expectancy. Cardiorespiratory fitness and peripheral muscle strength are shown to be the strongest predictors of the level of frailty and the potential for frailty to decrease over time. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity and activities of daily living in frail and non-frail adult individuals with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 36 individuals with ACHD, 14 frail (24.50±10.14 years) and 22 non-frail (24.68 ±6.24 years) were included in the study. Frailty; according to the Fried criteria, which consist of parameters as muscle strength weakness, involuntary weight loss, decreased physical activity, decreased mobility, and fatigue. Peripheral muscle strength was assessed using a digital dynamometer, functional capacity using the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and activities of daily living using the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test. Results: Knee extensor muscle strength (p=0.011), shoulder abduction muscle strength (p=0.012) and 6MWT distance (p=0.007) in frail individuals with ACHD was lower than non-frail individuals. Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test duration was higher in frail individuals with ACHD than in non-frail individuals (p=0.023). Conclusion(s): Upper and lower peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity and activities of daily living were impaired in individuals with frail ACHD. Early assessment of frailty in individuals with ACHD and implementation of individualized exercise training programs in frail individuals may be useful in reducing the impact associated with frailty.