The aim of this study was to evaluate physical fitness and physical activity levels of pediatric arrhythmia patients with pacemaker compared with their healthy peers.

Studies in children with heart diseases suggest that physical activity levels are reduced relative to their peers, which in turn increases cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac rhythm problems. To the best of our knowledge, physical fitness and objectively measured physical activity levels of children with a pacemaker have not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate physical fitness and physical activity levels of pediatric arrhythmia patients with a pacemaker compared with their healthy peers.

Investigators enrolled clinically stable pediatric patients and used the echocardiogram to evaluate cardiac functions of all patients. Physical fitness was assessed using the Munich Physical Fitness Test (MFT). The SenseWear Armband metabolic Holter device was used to record the physical activity level for consecutive 7 days.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria of the Pacemaker Group:

• Permanent pacemaker
• Being 7-18 years of age
• Able and willing to complete the informed consent process
• Able to walk and co-operate

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria of Pacemaker Group:

• Unstable medical condition
• To have severe neurological, severe orthopedic problems
• To have severe heart failure and another systemic disease or acute infection
• Down Syndrome
• The control group will consist of healthy subjects.

Patients with pacemakers who were followed routinely in Hacettepe Hospital, Department of Pediatric Cardiology.