Association of Nonexercise Estimated Exercise Capacity with Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease
10.5763/kjsm.2025.43.4.247
- Author:
Hyun Jeong KIM
1
;
Byul KIM
;
Sae Young JAE
Author Information
1. Department of Sport Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Clinical Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine
2025;43(4):247-253
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Directly measured exercise capacity (EC) predicts adverse outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD), but its assessment is resource-intensive. Existing nonexercise EC equations were developed in non-CHD populations and may not be generalizable. This study aimed to develop and validate a CHD-specific nonexercise EC estimation model and examine its association with HRQOL.
Methods:EC was assessed in 111 adolescents with CHD (61 males and 50 females; age range, 13–18 years) using both direct and indirect methods. Direct EC was measured via peak oxygen uptake, while estimated EC was derived using multivariable linear regression. Candidate predictors included age, sex, body mass index, resting heart rate, self-reported physical activity, and cyanosis status. HRQOL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.
Results:Estimated EC showed a significant correlation with measured EC (r=0.64, p＜ 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a mean difference of 0.9 mL/kg/min and a 6.3% error. In adjusted models, HRQOL was independently associated with both measured EC (β =0.36, p＜ 0.001) and estimated EC (β =0.45, p=0.001).
Conclusion:The nonexercise estimation model demonstrated good agreement with directly measured EC and was significantly associated with HRQOL. These findings support its utility as a simple, low-cost alternative for assessing EC in clinical and research settings when direct measurements are not feasible.
