Exercise and the multidisciplinary holistic approach to adolescent dysautonomia

Aim To determine whether an eight‐week strength training programme as part of a multidisciplinary approach would minimise symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with dysautonomia. Methods Adolescents referred to a tertiary‐level cardiology service from May 2014–December 2015 with symptoms of dysautonomia were eligible. Participants completed an exercise test and a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire (Peds QL ) prior to the intervention. Participants were asked to complete exercises five times per week. After eight weeks, participants returned for follow‐up testing. Parents completed a proxy report of their child's QoL at both time points. Results A total of 17 participants completed the study protocol with an adherence rate of up to 50%. Post‐intervention, QoL scores improved across all levels in the participants [total 65.2 (50.4–74.7) vs 48.9 (37.5–63.0); p = 0.006; psychosocial 65.8 (56.1–74.6) vs 50.0 (41.7–65.8); p = 0.010; physical 62.5 (37.5–76.6) vs 43.8 (25–68.5); p = 0.007] and their parent proxy reports [total 63.5 (48.7–81.3) vs 50.0 (39.3–63.0); p = 0.004; psychosocial 62.1 (52.1–81.3) vs 50.0 (39.6–59.2); p = 0.001; physical 62.5 (51.6–80.0) vs 50.0 (27.5–70.3); p = 0.003]. Treadmill time also improved (9.1 vs 8.0 minutes; p = 0.005). Conclusion Following an eight‐week strength training programme, dysautonomia patients report a significant improvement in both their quality of life and endurance time.