OXYGEN-UPTAKE TRANSIENT KINETICS DURING CONSTANT-LOAD EXERCISE IN CHILDREN AFTER OPERATIONS OF VENTRICULAR SEPTAL-DEFECT, TETRALOGY OF FALLOT, TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT-ARTERIES, OR TRICUSPID-VALVE ATRESIA

Cardiovascular function accounts for endurance performance and, by a rapid increase in oxygen supply at the onset of exercise, contributes to short-lasting intensive exertion prevailing in many kinds of sports activities. This study determined the time for oxygen uptake (VO2) to reach one half of its asymptotic level above rest, and the respective oxygen deficit following the onset of a constant load exercise corresponding to 80% to 90% of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) in 35 children after surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect, after corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot, or after the Senning, Mustard, or Fontan procedures. In addition, VO(2)max and maximal blood lactate were determined. The half-time of VO2 response and oxygen deficit was lowest in patients after closure of a ventricular septal defect, whereas children had the most unfavorable VO2 transient kinetics after Fontan operation or with a transannular patch after correction of tetralogy of Fallot. A negative correlation was evaluated between half-time of VO2 response and VO(2)max, whereas maximal blood lactate varied independently of VO(2)max. It is concluded that many children with decreased VO(2)max after cardiac surgery also have unfavorable VO2 transient kinetics. In addition to being sass qualified for endurance performance, they are also less prepared for short-lasting intensive energy expenditure. Therefore, the primary aim of training in these children is to improve the economy of motion of the respective tasks.