Physical Activity and Sleep in Pediatric Cardiology Patients: Understanding the Patterns and Interactions Between the Behaviors

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Nichelle L Huber (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Physical activity level and subsequent sleep patterns are of high importance to pediatric cardiology patients attempting to minimize the effects of disease. Existing research in pediatric samples have had inconsistent findings with some studies suggesting that patients are meeting recommended physical activity levels, while other studies indicating that activity levels are sub-par. Factors that are known to influence physical activity levels are self-efficacy, distress surrounding safety of activities, and parental over-protectiveness, as well as other psychosocial factors. To date, there is no comprehensive research on sleep and its relationship to activity within pediatric cardiology patients. This study examined the physical activity and sleep of pediatric cardiology patients using both objective and subjective measures, influencing variables (e.g., disease factors, age, sex, health related quality of life, cardiac anxiety), and the relationship between physical activity and sleep. The sample included 31 pediatric cardiology patients aged 12-18 years with a mean age of 15.58 (SD = 1.89). Results suggest that patients are engaged in activity for 66 minutes daily. Patient sleep duration ranged from approximately 6-8 hours daily, depending on reporting source. Correlational analyses indicated that physical activity and sleep were not significantly related to each other. Our results suggest that this sample of pediatric cardiology patients are meeting physical activity recommendations, but are not meeting sleep recommendations. These findings highlight the need for regular and multi-method assessment of physical activity, sleep, and disease adjustment with pediatric cardiology patients. Additional research examining both in-clinic and at-home interventions for physical activity and sleep are indicated and may improve psychological functioning and quality of life.

Additional Information

Publication

Dissertation

Language: English

Date: 2023

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