Physical Activity in Pediatric Cardiomyopathies: Moving for Health
Updated: April 23, 2026
- Physical activity supports cardiovascular fitness, social development, and emotional well-being in all children. In those with cardiomyopathy, traditional restrictions have been based on fear of arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death (SCD), or disease progression. However, growing evidence shows these risks are often overstated, and inactivity itself contributes to cardiometabolic disease, obesity, and lower quality of life.
- Effective shared decision making engages clinicians, parents, and age-appropriate pediatric patients in an open discussion of risks, benefits, and personal values. Using frameworks such as SHARE (Seek, Help, Assess, Reach, Evaluate), providers can navigate differing parental and patient preferences and reduce decisional regret. Shared decision making supports autonomy and fosters sustained engagement in healthy activity.
- Cardiomyopathy phenotypes and risk profiles evolve through childhood and adolescence, necessitating at least annual reassessment with history, imaging, and CPET. Providers are encouraged to review physical activity participation, revisit shared decision-making decisions and adjust clinical guidance as children mature or disease changes. Future research that clarifies dose–response relationships between physical activity and outcomes, especially regarding cardiometabolic and psychological benefits, is warranted.