Abstract
Abstract Background The novel method of comprehensive rehabilitation after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation was developed in our institution. Cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to program the training and to assess the results of rehabilitation. Study group 47 consecutive LVAD (32 Heart Mate III, 15 HeartWare) recipients (19–68 years, mean 58.7 years, 43 men) participated in the rehabilitation program. Proposed 4–5 week program included supervised endurance training on cycloergometer (5 times per week), resistance training, general fitness exercises with elements of equivalent and coordination exercises (every day). It was followed by individual exercises performed at home. 6-minute walk test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and prognostic biomarkers of heart failure: NT-proBNP, Galectin-3 and ST2 were investigated at the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation program. Results See Table 1. Increase of 6MWT distance, higher maximal workload, peak VO2 and upward shift of anaerobic threshold (AT) in CPET were observed in all patients. Significant reductions of NTproBNP, ST2 and galectin-3 levels were observed. There were no major adverse events during rehabilitation. Conclusions Comprehensive novel rehabilitation in LVAD recipients is safe and results in significant improvement of functional tests and biomarkers of heart failure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Centre for Research and Development
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
