Symptoms, Pulmonary Function, Muscle Strength, Exercise Capacity, and Frailty in Esophageal Atresia vs. Healthy Peers

Comparison of Symptoms, Pulmonary Function, Muscle Strength, Exercise Capacity, and Frailty Level in Individuals With Esophageal Atresia and Healthy Individuals

Esophageal atresia is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus and is caused by abnormal development of the esophagus during intrauterine life. In children with esophageal atresia, structural abnormalities due to congenital anomalies and tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheomalacia, respiratory problems, recurrent respiratory tract infections, structural abnormalities, surgical interventions for repair and treatment, and decreased physical activity levels may negatively affect pulmonary function, effective coughing, muscle strength, exercise capacity, posture, motor function, and quality of life. This study aims to compare physical characteristics, body composition, pulmonary function and muscle strength, peak cough flow, posture assessment, peripheral muscle strength test, motor function, exercise capacity, physical activity level, fatigue, frailty and quality of life between children with esophageal atresia and their healthy peers.

Esophageal atresia group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children with esophageal atresia who are willing to participate in the study
• Being between the ages of 6-18,
• Being able to cooperate with the assessments

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being unable to cooperate with the assessments,
• Having an orthopedic, neurological or cardiovascular problem that may affect the assessments,
• Having a lung infection or upper respiratory tract infection in the last four weeks,
• Being an active smoker,
• Not being willing to participate in the study,

Control group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between the ages of 6-18,
• Being willing to cooperate with the tests to be performed,
• Being willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a musculoskeletal problem that may affect exercise performance,
• Having any known chronic disease,
• Having a lung infection or upper respiratory tract infection in the last four weeks,
• Being an active smoker,
• Not willing to participate in the study.