Attention to Low Effort Capacity in Children!

Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Tuğçin Bora Polat gave information on the subject by pointing out that low effort capacity in children should be taken seriously.

Stating that it is of great importance that children who show poor performance in sports activities during the school age period are also questioned in terms of their effort capacities, Dr. Tuğçin Bora Polat said the following about the subject:

“In childhood, the effort capacity varies according to the age group. Low effort capacity is also the most common symptom in newborns and infants during the feeding process. Fatigue, sweating and panting while feeding are typical symptoms. Difficulty in activities and consequently not participating in the game in children (after 3 years of age) may indicate low effort capacity.

Low effort capacity in children is an important problem that must be evaluated in terms of heart diseases. Because low effort; It can indicate heart valve diseases and a hole in the heart. Therefore, when the effort is low, the first thing that comes to mind of parents is 'heart diseases'. In fact, low effort in childhood is mostly due to a sedentary life. Doing regular sports and an active life are very important in every age group. The reason for this is that the most important factor that determines the rate of metabolism is movement. Inactive life triggers low effort and low effort triggers inactivity in a vicious circle. As a result of the decrease in metabolic rate, important problems such as early puberty and thus short stature can develop. In addition, excessive weight gain and consequently serious health problems such as diabetes, blood pressure and heart diseases can be triggered over time.

Regular exercise and healthy nutrition of children with low exertion problems play a key role in the prevention of many important diseases, especially the heart. In addition to regular sports for an active life, children's use of computers and smartphones and desk activities should also be restricted. In today's conditions, playgrounds and nursery activities can be beneficial for children at the age of play. Sports schools and individual activities also provide great benefits for older children.”

prof. Dr. Tuğçin Bora Polat points out that effort tests are guiding especially in the selection of sports activities and continues as follows:

“We see that some children who are evaluated for sports activities have difficulty even climbing stairs due to their sedentary lifestyle. It is very possible for children with low effort capacity to have difficulty in competitive sports such as football and basketball and leave these activities unfinished. Therefore, we recommend lighter and individual sports such as jogging, swimming and cycling to children who have difficulty in exertion to continue their sports activities. The effort test also helps us to direct children to suitable sports branches.”