Understanding Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Use and Activity Level in Pediatric Populations

Abstract

Research suggests that most patients utilize WCDs appropriately. However, very little is known about pediatric cardiac patients prescribed a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD). In other pediatric cardiac populations, patients are typically achieving recommended levels of physical activity, which is influenced by sex, age, and disease severity; however, no information on the physical activity of patients with a WCD exists. The current study aimed to provide information on the usage of WCDs and physical activity in pediatric populations and influencing factors. Findings suggest that patients wear their device for an average of 33 days with daily wear time averaging 20 hours. Additionally, these patients were active for approximately 80 minutes per day, with an average step count of 7,493. Results indicated that these patients significantly increase their steps over the first three weeks of wear. Taken together, these findings indicated that patients are relatively compliant to WCD and physical activity recommendations. Additionally, changes in physical activity suggest that as patients adjust to wearing the device they become more active. Future research in needed to further assess psychosocial factors related to WCD usage.