Abstract
Scarce small sample studies have demonstrated the exercise benefits to heart transplantation recipients (HTR) in the early postoperative period. Additionally, the effects of exercise training on Asian HTR remain uncertain. PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the effects of an early post-operative phase II cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) on aerobic capacity in HTR, and explore the factors associated with the exercise training effects. METHODS: The study included 47 clinically stable HTR (age: 47±14 years (mean±SD); Male/Female: 37/10) who started phase II CRP within 6 months after surgery (time post-transplant: 68±33 days) and completed the supervised training program (3 days/week, 42 days at least). Each training session comprised 5-10 minutes of warm up, 25-30 minutes of cycling or treadmill walking, and 10 minutes of cool down. The exercise intensity was set at 50-80% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) according to patient's condition. A graded bicycle exercise test was conducted at baseline and after CRP to assess changes in cardiorespiratory function. RESULTS: After CRP (training duration: 81±25 days), the HTR displayed significant increase in VO2peak (14.8±3.4 mL/kg/min to 18.6±4.6 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001), peak work rate (68±20 watt to 91±22 watt, P < 0.001), peak heart rate (133±16 beat/min to 143±18 beat/min, P < 0.001), and body weight (63.4±11.8 kg to 66.4±12.9 kg, P < 0.001). The change of VO2peak after CRP was positively associated with male gender (P = 0.027), negatively associated with advanced age (P < 0.001), baseline body weight (P < 0.001), and the increased body weight (P = 0.007) after CRP in multiple linear stepwise regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Early post-operative phase II CRP for Asian HTR is effective in improving the aerobic capacity. The change of aerobic capacity is significantly associated with gender, age, baseline body weight, and the increased body weight after CRP.
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.
