The role of post-operative physical therapy in children and adolescents with congenital heart diseases

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are characterized by a structural defect of the heart, which occurs during the prenatal period or at birth. In their most complex forms, are required heart interventions such as open-heart surgery. It’s a condition which pediatric patients experience respiratory problems, delayed growth and pain patterns, reduced strength and endurance, and often adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study the effect of a physiotherapy program during cardiac rehabilitation of pediatric patients with CHDs who have undergone surgery. Methodology: An extensive search was carried out in electronic databases, such as Google Scholar, Pupmed, PEDro, but also in medical literature. Researches, studies and writings were searched, both in Greek and English, with key words such as: congenital heart diseases, postoperative rehabilitation, physical therapy, exercise. The search was limited to studies published from 2005 onwards. Conclusion: Physiotherapy intervention enhances the postoperative rehabilitation of patients and aims to improve the prevention and recovery of patients from pulmonary complications, to limit harmful effects due to surgery or strict bed rest, and in general to improve the overall quality of life.