A Comprehensive Guide to Cardiac Fitness Programs

While there is a growing understanding of the value of cardiac fitness and rehabilitation for children, adolescents, and adults with congenital and pediatric-acquired heart disease, comprehensive guidelines for establishing programs tailored to these patients have been sorely lacking—until now. This groundbreaking book fills that critical gap, offering a step-by-step roadmap for developing successful cardiac fitness and rehabilitation programs for individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD). Drawing from firsthand experience at Boston Children's Hospital, the authors provide a wealth of practical insights on building safe, effective, and sustainable cardiac fitness and rehabilitation programs. From staffing and patient selection to risk stratification, fitness training principles, and measurable outcomes, this guide equips medical professionals, exercise physiologists, and administrators with the tools needed to create transformative programs for patients with CHD. Through years of research, hands-on development, and mentorship of other institutions around the world, the authors have compiled a comprehensive resource that empowers healthcare teams to improve access to life-changing cardiac fitness and rehabilitation programs. Whether you're just beginning to establish a program or looking to enhance an existing one, this book will serve as your essential guide to improving the cardiac health and quality of life for patients with CHD.

Naomi Gauthier, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and has over 25 years’ experience as a practicing cardiologist. She received her MD from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, completed her residency and chief year at University of California, Davis, and her fellowship at the University of Virginia. Dr. Gauthier has special expertise in exercise physiology and is the Medical Director of Exercise Cardiology and founder and Director of the Cardiac Fitness Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is also the Program Director for the Advanced Fellowship in Pediatric Exercise Cardiology. Her research focuses on the broad benefits of exercise in patients with congenital and pediatric acquired heart disease, and she is involved nationally and internationally with exercise and physical activity efforts for these patients. Her passion is to help patients discover their potential rather than focus on limitations.

Tracy Curran, PhD, is the Lead Exercise Physiologist and Senior Cardiac Exercise Program Development Manager and Co-developer of the Cardiac Fitness Program at Boston Children’s Hospital.  She has over 25 years’ experience in clinical exercise testing and training in the congenital and acquired heart disease population and teaching experience in clinical exercise testing, training, and prescription. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and a PhD in Health Professions Education. Her dissertation research established consensus around recommended standards and practice guidelines for a formal pediatric cardiac rehabilitation curriculum for children and adolescents with congenital heart disease, and she is the founder and current Chair for the Global Coalition for Fitness and Congenial Heart Disease. She believes every child with a chronic condition can discover their full potential through physical and mental fitness training.

Julie Ann O’Neill, is an Exercise Physiologist Team Lead with over 20 years of experience in clinical exercise testing and rehabilitation for patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. Holding a Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Julie specializes in promoting exercise and behavior change, particularly in complex medical conditions. She excels in building trust and connecting with patients and their families, helping them integrate physical activity and exercise into their lives, enhancing self-confidence and motivation. Julie is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace exercise as an enjoyable and essential aspect of their lifestyle, significantly contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life.

Lani Silversides, is the founder of Mindful Performance, LLC, where she coaches high school and college athletes, teams, and coaches in mental performance and mindfulness practices. A former Division I basketball player and New England Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Lani brings firsthand athletic experience to her work. She works with the Cardiac Fitness Program at Boston Children’s Hospital to integrate mental skills into their training model. Lani is also the founder and Executive Director of SG United Foundation ("Strong Girls United"), a national nonprofit empowering girls through sports, mentorship, and mental health programming. She is deeply dedicated to helping individuals of all ages build confidence, resilience, and a positive relationship with movement.