CHAMPS 12 – week home based exercise training pilot study
January 10, 2020

2018 – CHAMPS 12-week home based exercise training pilot study

In 2018, the second large scale research project was launched involving CHAMPS camp. Researchers were interested in how a more frequent chronic disease management program for children with congenital heart disease (similar to an adult cardiac rehabilitation program) would impact similar physical activity, cardiovascular health and mental wellness measures.

The study included a 12 week long program that included biweekly mini CHAMPS camps (4 hours of physical activity and physical literacy promotion), home based exercise 3 times per week, in addition to mental wellness sessions.

The project had 3 goals:

  1. Determine if we can change important health measures (exercise capacity, body
    composition, blood vessel health, psychological health, nutritional habits…)
  2. Answer the question “is it feasible to deliver regular year-round congenital heart
    disease management programming for children and their families?”
  3. Increase the impact of health benefits that CHAMPS can offer for children and
    adolescents with CHD.

This pilot study for children with congenital heart disease was the first of its kind in Canada. Positive outcomes from this study has translated into regular, 12-week CHAMPS camp programming in both Saskatoon and Regina.

Thank you to the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation for providing funds for this study!

 

Results presented at a recent conference can be read here..