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
Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro. University of Siena. Sapienza University of Rome and Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS. University of Sydney. University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital. Linköping University and Sahlgrenska University Hospital. University Medicine Greifswald and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research. Queen’s University. University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia. UHasselt, Hartcentrum Hasselt and KU Leuven. Radboud University Medical Center. St. George’s University Hospital. Royal Brompton Hospital NHS Trust and Imperial College. University of Basel. Technical University of Munich. National Italian Olympic Committee. Toscana Centro UOC Medicina dello Sport. Paracelsus Medical University. Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Science. Medicine Campus Davos, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich. Institute of Sport Medicine and Science. Hospital Clinic and August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute. University of Bristol. University of Padua. Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione. University of Exeter. ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital. University College London.
Italy, Australia, Malta, Sweden, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Spain and Qatar
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
Eur J Prev Caediol 2026;
DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwag497
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.
Category
Consensus Guidelines for Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Exercise
Quality of Life Associated with Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Diagnostic Testing for Pulmonary Vascular Disease. Non-invasive Testing
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes