Abstract
The aim of the present clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular versus classical strength-resistance training as part of a cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients following acute coronary syndrome. The study is designed as a double-blinded, randomised, and controlled clinical trial. Thirty participants suffering from acute coronary syndrome who meet our inclusion criteria will be recruited by a private tertiary hospital. The intervention group will follow 20 sessions of a cardiac rehabilitation programme divided into two parts: aerobic training and neuromuscular strength-resistance training. The control group will complete the same aerobic training as well as a classical strength-resistance training workout programme. The primary outcome of the study will be the mean difference in change from baseline in the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test. The secondary outcomes will be the cardiorespiratory fitness of the patients (assessed by means of the Chester Step Test), lower-limb performance (assessed with the 30-Second Chair Stand Test and Single-Leg Squat Test), lower-limb strength (hip flexor handheld dynamometry), sexual dysfunction assessment (Sex Health Inventory for Men) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). This work will provide evidence for the effectiveness of a neuromuscular versus a classic strength-training programme in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness, lower-limb performance capacities and quality of life, in cardiac patients. The data obtained could lead to more effective and functional workouts which, in turn, may enhance the speed at which these patients can return to their everyday activities of life and improve the efficiency of their movement patterns and heart responses. Furthermore, patients may find neuromuscular workout routines more motivating and engaging, thus encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyle patterns.
Highlights
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the sudden imbalance between myocardial oxygen consumption and demand, which causes an acute myocardial infarction [1]
Our study was written in accordance with Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) [25], which was aim to improve the quality of clinical trial (S1 Checklist)
To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first randomised clinical trial to explore the efficacy of a neuromuscular training (NMT) cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRPs) compared to a classic strength-resistance training protocol (CSRT) protocol in patients with ACS
Summary
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the sudden imbalance between myocardial oxygen consumption and demand (usually as the result of coronary artery obstruction), which causes an acute myocardial infarction [1]. CRPs have been recommended by the World Health Organization since the early 1960s [13] They are useful for controlling cardiovascular risk factors and impact the overall factors related to HRQoL, reducing patient morbidity and mortality, and promoting their return to work (job reinsertion). These programmes have been proven effective, this partially depends on their design [14, 15]. Promising results were found in favor of the NMT group both in functional capacities and quality of life parameters (S1 Table) The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the short and long-term effects of neuromuscular versus classical strength-resistance training as part of a CRP in patients following ACS. We hypothesize that the NMT will improve the cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacities, sexual dysfunction and quality of life of patients with ACS more than the CSRT intervention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
