Key result
Exercise holds potential to improve neurodevelopmental and cognitive dysfunction in Fontan patients.
Why the study?
People with a Fontan circulation are at risk of neurodevelopmental delay, disability, and cognitive dysfunction, but interventions to improve these outcomes are lacking.
Does exercise improve cognitive functioning and neurodevelopmental outcomes in people with a Fontan circulation?
Does exercise improve cognitive functioning and neurodevelopmental outcomes in people with a Fontan circulation?
Exercise is proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention to improve cognitive functioning and mitigate neurodevelopmental delay in individuals with a Fontan circulation.
Hypothesis-generating for exercise in Fontan circulation; should not yet change practice pending trials.
People with a Fontan circulation are at risk of neurodevelopmental delay and disability, and cognitive dysfunction, that has significant implications for academic and occupational attainment, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life. Interventions for improving these outcomes are lacking. This review article discusses current intervention practices and explores the evidence supporting exercise as a potential intervention for improving cognitive functioning in people living with a Fontan circulation. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning these associations are discussed in the context of Fontan physiology and avenues for future research are recommended.
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Verrall et al. (2023) conducted a review in Fontan circulation with neurodevelopmental and cognitive dysfunction. Exercise was evaluated. Exercise is proposed as a potential non-pharmacological therapy to improve neurodevelopmental and cognitive dysfunction in individuals with a Fontan circulation, though clinical trials are needed.
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