title: Exercise capacity and impact of exercise training in patients after a Fontan procedure: a review.
abstract: After a successful Fontan procedure, children and adolescents should improve their exercise capacity. However, several studies have shown that these children have a reduced maximal oxygen consumption compared with healthy children. The lower exercise performance in these patients was mainly explained by a reduced cardiorespiratory functional capacity. However, it has recently been reported that the lower exercise performance may also be related to altered skeletal muscle function. Moreover, exercise training had a beneficial impact on several parameters related to exercise tolerance in these patients. The main studies supporting these observations are reviewed, with a focus on the physiological adaptation and limitation of the exercise performance as well as the benefits of exercise training in patients after a Fontan procedure.
authors: Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie, Hôpital Laval, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, Québec.
authors: Patrice
authors: P
authors: Brassard
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Bédard
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Jobin
authors: Josep
authors: J
authors: Rodés-Cabau
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Poirier