Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to assess lower limb function in response to two cardiac rehabilitation (CR) protocols after coronary artery bypass surgery with saphenous vein grafting. Methods: Clinically-stable male patients aged 50–70 years were recruited 4 weeks post-surgery in which to group. Group I (n = 47) receive standard CR in a hospital setting for 3 weeks and Group II (n = 14) receive CR with a resistance training component in an outpatient setting for 8 weeks. Measures included body mass and composition, lower limb temperature distribution, lower limb hemodynamics, and dorsal and plantar flexor muscle strength. Results: Average temperature of the operated limb decreased only in Group II after cardiac rehabilitation. Venous blood flow improved in both groups as evidenced by increased blood refilling time. Isokinetic strength was greater in Group I. Conclusions: The results suggest a 3-week intensive CR protocol to be most effective in restoring lower limb function in CABG patients after saphenectomy.
Highlights
While coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the most widely used treatment modality for coronary artery disease (CAD), the procedure is associated with several cardiac and non-cardiac complications
While most usual-care cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in bypass patients is based on aerobic training, an increasing body of literature has recommended the concomitant application of lower limb resistance
The results of the present study confirm the benefits of CR, within the domain of lower limb function after CABG with saphenous vein harvesting
Summary
While coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the most widely used treatment modality for coronary artery disease (CAD), the procedure is associated with several cardiac and non-cardiac complications. Post-operative cardiopulmonary health is severely compromised with impaired pulmonary and respiratory function mediated by such factors as chest wall pain, decreased respiratory muscle strength, reduced exercise capacity and exercise tolerance, and anxiety with the resumption of more vigorous physical activity [1,2,3]. While most usual-care CR in bypass patients is based on aerobic training, an increasing body of literature has recommended the concomitant application of lower limb resistance. The aim of the study was to assess lower limb function in response to two cardiac rehabilitation (CR) protocols after coronary artery bypass surgery with saphenous vein grafting. Methods: Clinically-stable male patients aged 50–70 years were recruited 4 weeks post-surgery in which to group. Results: Average temperature of the operated limb decreased only in Group II after cardiac rehabilitation.
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