Congenital heart diseases are pathologies linked to an abnormality in the formation of the heart or associated vessels and now affects almost one birth in a hundred. Of varying degree of severity, they can require emergency intervention as early as in the first few hours of life.

As a precautionary measure, these patients have long been advised against physical activity. Today, the QUALIREHAB study, led by Prof. Pascal Amedro, cardio-pediatrician at Bordeaux University Hospital and researcher at IHU Liryc, and Dr. Sophie Guillaumont, cardio-pediatrician at Montpellier University Hospital and Institut Saint-Pierre, has revolutionized this perception.

Initiated in 2018, this national randomized controlled trial involved 142 patients : teenagers and young adults aged 13 to 25 with congenital heart disease and being deconditioned, short of breath on effort.

QUALIREHAB, whose primary endpoint is quality of life, evaluated the efficacy of a three-month hybrid physical readaptation program, with follow-up in a SMR (Medical and Rehabilitation Care) Center and then at home, under the supervision of specialists in adapted physical activity (APA).

What makes this study so special is the bold decision to evaluate the program’s effectiveness one year later, rather than three months after its completion.

The results of the study speak for themselves. Participants in the “control group”, who followed the three-month program showed statistically significant improvements in all the study’s endpoints: an increase in quality of life, physical activity level, knowledge of the disease, and a decrease in anxiety, depression and body mass index.

The significant improvement in all endpoints highlights the benefits of supervised sports rehabilitation for patients.

The QUALIREHAB study was carried out within a short timeframe, between 2018 and 2023, and marks a turning point in the management of congenital heart disease. It highlights the potential of supervised physical activity to improve patients’ quality of life and health, while helping to change medical perceptions and practices in this field.

What are congenital heart diseases?

It’s a heart defect present from birth. While some forms may be minor and never cause heart problems, others are more serious and can lead to severe complications.