Beschreibung:
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<jats:bold>Introduction:</jats:bold> Children and young adults require a higher maximum tracking rate (MTR) for physical activity. The objective of the present study was to observe whether higher MTR of 170 or 190 beats per minute (bpm) have a positive impact on the maximal cardiorespiratory capacity of children and young adults in comparison with a lower MTR of 140 bpm.</jats:italic> </jats:p><jats:p> <jats:italic>
<jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> Fifteen patients with atrioventricular block and normal sinus‐node chronotropic function (age 7–24 years) with DDD‐ (14) or VDD‐pacemakers (PM) (1) were enrolled. First, the MTR was adjusted to 140 bpm for 6 weeks and elevated in a second step to 170 or 190 bpm. At the end of each period two cardiopulmonary exercise tests, a 24‐hour ECG and a PM test were performed.</jats:italic> </jats:p><jats:p> <jats:italic>
<jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> All patients increased their maximal heart rate (139.0 ± 1.0 vs 177.0 ± 10.0 bpm, P < 0.001), peak cardiorespiratory capacity (2.4 ± 0.6 vs 2.8 ± 0.7 W/kg, P < 0.001), peak oxygen uptake (28.3 ± 7.0 vs 35.7 ± 9.5 mL/kg/min, P < 0.005), and oxygen uptake (23.7 ± 7.4 vs 29.3 ± 8.4 mL/kg/min, P < 0.02) at the anaerobic threshold. There were no evident heart rhythm disturbances with elevated MTR. Patients with a Wenckebach behavior of the PM had an attenuated increase of maximal cardiorespiratory performance.</jats:italic> </jats:p><jats:p> <jats:italic>
<jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold> Children and young adults with DDD‐/VDD‐PM benefit from an elevated MTR by an increased cardiorespiratory capacity, without having more heart rhythm disturbances. A Wenckebach behavior of the PM should be avoided.</jats:italic> </jats:p>