This depends on the underlying condition rather than the ICD itself. Clinical thinking has shifted considerably in recent years away from blanket activity restrictions for young people with cardiac conditions, recognising that the physical and psychological benefits of exercise are significant and that unnecessarily restricting activity can do real harm to a child’s development and wellbeing.
Many children with ICDs can participate in recreational sport and even competitive sport, depending on their specific diagnosis and risk profile. Others may be advised to avoid high-intensity exertion or contact sports where a blow to the chest is possible. These decisions should be made by a specialist paediatric cardiologist with experience of exercise and inherited cardiac conditions — not by a GP or the school, and not by applying generic rules from the internet.
If your child’s cardiologist recommends restricting sport, it is reasonable to ask what the evidence base for that recommendation is, whether it applies to all sport or only certain types, and whether the guidance would change over time. A second opinion from a specialist inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) service may also be appropriate if you feel the advice is overly restrictive without clear justification.
Whatever is agreed, make sure the school and any sports coaches are aware of the plan and know what to do in an emergency.