Sport, exercise, and physical activity in children with cardiovascular disease. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) of the ESC, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP) of the ESC, and the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits to children's health and well-being and is essential for reducing cardiovascular risk in children with cardiovascular disease. Despite increasing evidence supporting its benefits, many young patients remain insufficiently active because of concerns regarding exercise related risks, limited expertise. This clinical consensus statement provides practical guidance for the prescription of exercise and physical activity in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with cardiovascular disease. The document aims to bridge the gap between evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity and its implementation in daily clinical practice, promoting safe participation in sport and exercise across a broad spectrum of cardiovascular conditions. This consensus statement outlines an individualised, patient-centred approach to exercise prescription based on clinical assessment, cardiovascular risk stratification, and the FITT principle: frequency, intensity, time, and type. Specific recommendations are provided for congenital and acquired heart disease, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, cardio-oncology patients, and children with physical disabilities or syndromes. The document emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary care, periodic follow up, exercise testing when indicated, and tailored programs adapted to the child's clinical condition, developmental stage, and personal preferences. The overarching goal is to encourage safe and enjoyable participation in physical activity, improve quality of life and functional capacity, and foster lifelong healthy behaviours in children with cardiovascular disease.
Authors: Monica Tiberi, Flavio D’Ascenzi, Elena Cavarretta, Jessica Orchard, Mark Abela, Maria Bäck, Martin Bahls, Frank Casey, Silvia Castelletti, Guido Claessen, Fabrizio Drago, Thijs M H Eijsvogels, Gherardo Finocchiaro, Sabiha Gati, Henner Hanssen, Martin Halle, Viviana Maestrini, Aneil Malhotra, Nicola Mochi, Jan Müller, Josef Niebauer, Rhoia Clara Neidenbach, David Niederseer, Michael Papadakis, Antonio Pelliccia, María Sanz-de la Garza, Monika Siegrist, Alan G Stuart, Alessandro Zorzi, Craig A Williams, Guido E Pieles
Institutions: University of Siena, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Sapienza University of Rome, The University of Sydney, University of Malta, Mater Dei Hospital, Linköping University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Universität Greifswald, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Queen's University Belfast, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia di Udine, Jessa Hospital, Hartcentrum Hasselt, Hasselt University, KU Leuven, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, St George's, University of London, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Brompton Hospital, Imperial College London, University of Basel, Technical University of Munich, National Research Council, Manchester Metropolitan University, Azienda Usl Toscana Centro, Paracelsus Medical University, University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, CK-CARE, Hochgebirgsklinik Davos, Cleveland Clinic London, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Consorci Institut D'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, TUM Klinikum, University of Bristol, University of Padua, University of Exeter, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, University College London
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7214000149
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