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Cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, muscle strength, and physical activity in children and adolescents with achondroplasia.

Takken T, van Bergen MW, Sakkers RJ, Helders PJ, Engelbert RH

Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy and Exercise Physiology and the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. t.takken@umcutrecht.nl <t.takken@umcutrecht.nl>

OBJECTIVE: To study in children with achondroplasia the response to exercise and muscle strength compared with healthy peers and to describe the relation between exercise capacity, anthropometric factors, and physical activity. STUDY DESIGN: Patients (7 boys and 10 girls; mean age, 11.8 +/- 3.3 years) with achondroplasia performed a maximal treadmill exercise test. Anthropometric variables and muscle strength were measured and compared with the general population. The level of everyday physical activity was measured by using a diary. Functional ability was measured by using the Activity Scale for Kids. RESULTS: The exercise capacity of the children with achondroplasia was significantly reduced compared with reference values. All anthropometrical measurements differed significantly from reference values. There was a decrease in muscle strength in almost all muscle groups. We found a reduced physical activity level and impairments in functional ability. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and muscle strength in children with achondroplasia was reduced compared with reference values. Children with achondroplasia have a unique response to exercise. Clinicians should take these characteristic differences into account when the exercise capacity of subjects with achondroplasia is being tested.

Published 25 December 2006 in J Pediatr, 150(1): 26-30.
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