A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in Circulation, suggests that physical activity for children and adolescents with cardiomyopathy or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be safer than previous research indicated.
Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions affecting the heart muscle’s structure and function, impairing its ability to pump or fill effectively. ICDs are implantable devices that detect life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms and deliver electrical shocks. Historically, physical activity and exercise have been discouraged among children with these conditions due to concerns that they could worsen heart function or lead to sudden cardiac death.
However, restricting movement has unintended consequences. Jonathan B. Edelson, M.D., chair of the scientific statement writing group and associate professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated: “While safety is always paramount, halting all physical activity among children with cardiomyopathy or ICDs has at times led to unintended consequences. The latest research indicates that restricting children’s movement can negatively affect their heart health, physical fitness levels, mental well-being and social development, and quality of life.”
The new statement shifts from a one-size-fits-all approach to physical activity limitations to considering ways for youth with heart conditions to safely participate in activities—from low-intensity daily activities to high-intensity training and sports in select cases. Light-to-moderate intensity exercise, such as walking, light cycling or swimming, may be appropriate to maintain physical fitness, social development and quality of life, with regular monitoring. Structured physical activity such as fitness classes, strength training, running, biking, hiking or organized sports programs may be reasonable for some children.
Ensuring safe participation requires personalized risk assessments based on diagnosis, risk profile, genetic profile and clinical evaluations, including echocardiograms, cardiac imaging and exercise stress tests. Genetic testing and family screening can assess individual risk. Clinicians, families and developmentally appropriate children or adolescents can work together to balance risk, patient-tailored goals and values. Emergency action plans, including AED access and CPR-trained bystanders, are essential during organized sports. The statement notes more research is needed because most findings are based on observational studies in adults; findings should apply cautiously to pediatric populations.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.financialcontent.com/article/newmediawire-2026-4-23-benefits-of-physical-activity-may-outweigh-risks-for-children-with-some-heart-conditions