PhD defence L.E. (Elisabeth) Scheffers

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Physical activity is associated with many physiological and psychological health benefits across the lifespan. Children with a chronic disease often have lower levels of daily physical activity, and a decreased exercise capacity compared to healthy peers.
The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether children with four chronic diseases; children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Pompe disease (a progressive muscle disease), a Fontan circulation (a congenital heart disease) and bronchopulmonary disease (often seen in premature babies due to underdeveloped lungs) have a decreased are indeed less physically active in daily life and if children (and their parents) encounter any direct and indirect exercise limitations. In order to improve physical activity levels and exercise capacity, children participated in a 12-week tailored exercise intervention (including dietary advice and/or psychological counseling if needed). Children with IBD and Pompe disease did a 12-week strength and aerobic training program and healthy diet. After the intervention, children with IBD had less bowel symptoms and increased quality of life, an decreased parent-reported fatigue. Children with Pompe disease improved in strength, core-stability and quality of life. Children with a Fontan circulation participated in leg-focused strength training with a high-protein diet and showed improvements in endurance, cardiac function and strength. Children with BPD performed high-intensity interval training, parents received psychological support, and these children showed an increase in submaximal exercise capacity, peak workload, and quality of life. After the intervention, the amount of children with a chronic disease participating in a sports increased significantly.