Cardiac Rehabilitation Program In Patients Research Articles

A facilitated home-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention for people with heart failure and their caregivers: a research programme including the REACH-HF RCT

A facilitated home-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention for people with heart failure and their caregivers: a research programme including the REACH-HF RCT

Factors related to the discontinuation and mortality rates of a cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients with Chagas disease: a 6-year experience in a Brazilian tertiary centre.

To describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of participants as well as discontinuation and mortality rates in a cardiac rehabilitation programme (CRP) tailored to Chagas disease (CD). Participants underwent functional capacity, anthropometry and cardiac function evaluations before beginning a CRP. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were performed to investigate the associations between clinical and sociodemographic characteristics at baseline with discontinuation rates and deaths. Forty-two patients were enrolled in the CRP (61.9% men, mean age of 58.1±11.8years). During a median follow-up period of 10.8months, 74% discontinued and 14% died while enrolled in CRP. 34% of the patients who discontinued CRP died during follow-up. White race (HR=0.09; 95% CI 0.01-1.00), right ventricular systolic dysfunction (HR=10.54; 95% CI 1.24-89.50) and oxygen pulse (HR=0.69; 95% CI 0.48-0.99) were independently associated with death while enrolled in CRP. Married status (HR=0.44; 95% CI 0.21-0.95) was independently associated with discontinuation rates from CRP. VO2 peak (HR=0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.98) and CRP discontinuation due to CD-related reasons (HR=8.33; 95% CI 1.91-36.27) were the variables independently associated with death after discontinuation of CRP. In this population, sociodemographic aspects and severity of CD were important determinants of CRP discontinuation and mortality.

Effects of neuromuscular training compared to classic strength-resistance training in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

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.

Atrial Fibrillation: the Association with Physical Activity and the Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation

The purpose of this review was to present modern studies that examine the relationship of physical activity and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development and the impact of cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with all forms of AF. Data of 52 Russian and foreign scientific sources published in 1998- 2020 were presented. In our study, 48 patients with paroxysmal AF after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were randomly assigned to a physical rehabilitation/standard therapy or control (standard therapy) group. Aerobic physical training was conducted for 6 months 3 times a week. AF is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Despite modern advances, results of treatment of this disease are far from optimal. Many problems of patients with AF can be addressed through enrolment in multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation programs. But this question remains open. This is mainly due to the complexity of selection of physical rehabilitation program for patients with AF. It is known that physical activity can trigger an episode of AF. In the following review article, the approaches to functional capacity assessment of patient with AF are described, recommendations for prescribing safe exercise training to achieve a therapeutic effect are presented. Various aspects of the effects of physical rehabilitation are discussed, including its impact on cardiovascular risk factors, influence on atrial remodeling processes and associated biomarkers, prevention of AF progression and occurrence of cardiovascular complications. Results of our own research indicate effectiveness of physical training in patients with AF after RFA: increase in exercise duration by 18.6% (p<0.001) and load by 24.8% (p<0.01) during exercise test, increase in level of everyday physical activity by 23.8% (p=0.001); left atrium dimensions remain stable comparing with control group. That was combined with a decrease of post ablation atrial arrhythmias: after 6 months, they were registered in 4.5% of trained patients vs 17.4% of control group patients (p<0.01). Steady growth in the number of patients with AF and catheter ablation procedures around the world dictates the need for organization of multi-purpose medical rehabilitation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients Treated for Atrial Fibrillation With Ablation Has Long-Term Effects: 12-and 24-Month Follow-up Results From the Randomized CopenHeartRFA Trial

ObjectiveTo assess outcomes at 12 and 24 months after participation in a multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program plus usual care compared with usual care alone for patients treated for atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation. DesignLong-term follow-up on the randomized CopenHeartRFA trial. SettingPatients were enrolled and outcome assessed at the hospital and the intervention were carried out at the hospital or at local rehabilitation centers. ParticipantsPatients (N=210) treated for atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation included in the CopenHeartRFA trial. InterventionsA 6-month cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of physical exercise and psychoeducational consultations plus usual care or usual care alone. Main Outcome MeasuresPhysical capacity was measured by peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) at 12 months, and patient-reported outcomes on perceived health, anxiety, and depression were collected by validated questionnaires at 12 and 24 months. Information on hospital admissions and mortality was collected through national registers up to 24 months. ResultsMean Vo2peak was higher at 12 months in the cardiac rehabilitation group (cardiac rehabilitation group: 25.82 mL/kg/min vs usual care group, 22.43 mL/kg/min, P=.003). A lower proportion of patients had high levels of anxiety at 24 months in the cardiac rehabilitation group compared to usual care (12% vs 24%, P=.004). There was no difference in mortality or hospital admissions at 24 months between groups. ConclusionsThis long-term follow-up of a comprehensive multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program for patients treated for atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation found sustained improvements with respect to physical capacity and anxiety compared to usual care but no difference on mortality or hospital admission.

CARDIORESPIRATORY RESPONSES TO ISOKINETIC EXERCISE IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

ABSTRACT Introduction Exercise training using an isokinetic dynamometer is an alternative for improving muscle strength in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Few studies have shown metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal isokinetic exercises in patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Objective To describe cardiorespiratory responses at two intensities of isokinetic exercise. Additionally, we compared the cardiorespiratory responses of isokinetic exercise with data from the incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Methods Eight individuals with CAD (61.7 ± 6.6 years) performed the following tests: 1) CPET on a treadmill; 2) Peak torque test (five repetitions) and fatigue resistance test (20 repetitions) of knee flexion-extension at angular speeds of 120°/s and 180°/s; 3) Two sets of 20 repetitions were performed at 30–40% (low-intensity, LI) and 50–60% (moderate-intensity, MI) of peak torque at angular speeds of 120°/s and 180°/s, using an isokinetic dynamometer. During the exercises, the individuals were connected to an expired gases analyzer with simultaneous monitoring of the electrocardiogram trace, heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production, and minute ventilation (VE). The differences (∆) between the peak measurements during exercises and the baseline values were calculated. Results Both LI and MI produced cardiorespiratory responses below the anaerobic threshold (82.8 ± 8.1% of HRmax and 74.4 ± 9.6% of VO2peak) compared to the CPET data ( P < 0.01). MI showed higher ∆ HR (9.8 ± 5.5 vs. 6.3 ± 4.6 bpm; P = 0.01), ∆ rate pressure product (3015 ± 2286 vs. 1957 ± 1932 mmHg·bpm; P = 0.01), and ∆VE (10.2 ± 6.2 vs. 6.9 ± 7 L·min-1; P = 0.03) than LI at the angular velocity of 180°/s. Conclusion These results suggest that this isokinetic exercise protocol may be used as a strategy for cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with CAD. Level of evidence IV; Case series.

Body Composition Changes During Traditional Versus Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Artery Disease.

Intensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was recently approved by Medicare and includes more hours and more focus on nutrition, stress management, and group support than a traditional, exercise-focused CR. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in body composition and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors after intensive versus traditional CR programs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 715 patients with CAD who completed a traditional versus intensive CR program at UCLA Medical Center between 2014 and 2018. Markers of CV health, including body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis, were assessed pre- and post-program participation. In both types of CR programs, body mass index, body fat percentage, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels (total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were significantly lower post- compared with pre-program. Exercise capacity was increased in both groups. Intensive CR patients had greater reductions in body mass index, body fat percentage, visceral adipose tissue, and diastolic blood pressure. Traditional CR patients demonstrated greater increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and estimated lean mass. In patients with CAD, both traditional and intensive CR programs led to improvements in CV risk factors, though the magnitude of the effects of the program differed between the programs. Further studies, including studies analyzing CV outcomes, are needed to help determine optimal CR program choice for CAD patients based on their risk factor and body composition profile.

LONG TERM EFFECTS OF OUTPATIENT CARDIAC REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE

Cardiac rehabilitation(CR) programs in patients with heart failure is recommended. However, there are few reports concerned with the long term effects of CR program in patients with ADHF. We retrospectively enrolled 251 patients (aged: 63.0±12.5 years) who started the CR program after

Effectiveness of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Patients With Heart Failure

Effectiveness of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Patients With Heart Failure

Physical training integration with physiotherapeutic methods of myocardial metabolism recovery in the rehabilitation of patients after acute coronary syndrome and cardiosurgical myocardial revascularization

The scientific rationale for improved cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients after acute coronary syndrome and cardiac surgery. 120 patients who were randomized to 3 groups (40 patients each) were examined: the main and two control, comparable in the major clinical manifestations of the disease. Improved methods of physical training with the inclusion of interval cyclic training for the first time in cardiology on treadmills and sensory tracks and therapeutic exercises in the gym (daily, 5 times a week, for a course of 10 procedures) were performed for patients of the 1st control group. Therapeutic procedures that improve metabolic processes in the ischemic myocardium were used in patients of the 2nd control group: enhanced external counterpulsation, general dry air carbon dioxide, infrared matrix laser therapy. Rehabilitation by the complex of the above physical training and factors which restored metabolic processes in the ischemic myocardium was carried out to patients of the main group. Methods had a cardioprotective effect and increase myocardial adaptation to ischemia. The greatest anti-ischemic, antianginal, antihypoxic effects were achieved in patients of the main group compared with the control groups. What may be due to the correction of metabolic disorders and the development of cardioprotection of ischemic myocardium. The consequence is a significant increase in the rehabilitation effect of improved cardiovascular training. The achieved result is due to the integration of improved cardiac training techniques and a procedure package aimed at cardioprotection and metabolic myocardium adaptation to ischemia, which included enhanced external counterpulsation, general dry air carbon dioxide and infrared matrix laser therapy.

P639Benefits and safety of exercise training in patients with severe three coronary vessels disease

Abstract Background Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Nowadays, there are still patients with untreatable coronary obstructions and exercise therapy could be an option to improve their quality of life and probably diminish mortality. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are recommended worldwide due its effectiveness and safety. However very high risk patients are often not included. Purpose To evaluate the benefit and safety of exercise therapy as a part of a cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with untreatable severe coronary heart disease. Methods A cohort of patients with coronary heart disease included in a cardiac rehabilitation program were studied. Those with severe coronary heart disease (Syntax score ≥33, group A) were identified. Patients were stratified using clinical records and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. They trained for 30 minutes, five times a week of aerobic exercise (cycle ergometer) and this therapy was complemented with general strength, coordination, balance and flexibility maneuvers. After twenty exercise sessions, a second cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed. Symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing was undertaken using a ramp Balke protocol and cardiopulmonary variables were recorded. These patients were compared with their counterparts without severe coronary heart disease (Control group, group B). Studied variables were presented as frequencies (%), mean (SD), median (range) as appropriate. Comparisons between groups were made using chi square or paired T test as needed. All p values <0.05 were considered stochastically significant. Results From a total of 546 patients, seventy-one had severe coronary heart disease (Syntax score ≥33). There were no significant differences between groups on change of METs value and number of sessions assisted. No major adverse cardiovascular outcome was observed. The percentage of exercise induced arrhythmias was 75% in very high risk group vs 76% in control group, (p>0.05). Results are shown in table 1. Table 1. Characteristics between groups Patients Group A (n=75) Group B (n=471) p value Assisted training sessions 15±7 14±6 ns Increment in MET (ml/kg/min) 1.32±1.34 1.35±1.56 ns Arrhythmias, n (%) 56 (75) 370 (76) ns Angor/ST depression, n (%) 11 (15) 15 (3) <0.01 Differences in workload (Watts) 20±13 22±13 ns Conclusion Exercise training could be performed in an effective and safe manner in patients with very high risk untreated coronary heart disease.

THE TRAJECTORY OF FRAILTY SCORES OVER THE COURSE OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION

Frailty impacts outcomes of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) may improve frailty scores. Despite the pervasiveness of elderly patients in CR programs, the prevalence and clinical relevance of frailty in patients undergoing CR remain under-researched.

Prognostic Role of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease After an Ambulatory Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

The relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and outcomes after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is not well established; therefore we assessed the prognostic role of LVEF at the end of ambulatory CR program in patients (pts) who received coronary revascularization. LVEF was evaluated at hospital discharge and re-assessed at the end of CR in all ST-elevation myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft pts, while in pts with non-ST-elevation MI or elective percutaneous coronary intervention the echocardiography was repeated if they had an impaired LVEF at discharge. New hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes at 1-year, and cardiovascular mortality during long-term follow-up were analyzed. We enrolled in CR 3078 pts, 86% showed LVEF ≥40% and 9% LVEF <40%. Of those with a discharge LVEF <40%, 56% improved LVEF (LVEF ≥40%) after CR. At 1-year, heart failure was the main cause of new hospitalizations in LVEF <40% group compared with LVEF ≥40% group (5% vs 0.4%, p <0.01). During a mean follow up of 48 ± 25 months, cardiovascular death occurred in 9% of pts with LVEF <40% and in 2% with LVEF ≥40% (p = 0.014). At Cox multivariate analysis, LVEF <40% at the end of CR and age were independent predictors of hospitalization and mortality for cardiovascular causes, while coronary artery bypass graft was a protective factor. In conclusion, during CR the improvement of LVEF occurs in a relevant proportion of patients, the re-assessment of LVEF at the end of the CR is helpful for risk stratification because left ventricle dysfunction at the end of CR is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes.

Guía de práctica clínica para la prevención, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la rehabilitación de la falla cardiaca en población mayor de 18 años, clasificación B, C y D. Componente de rehabilitación cardiaca

IntroductionCardiac rehabilitation programs combine the performing of supervised exercise with secondary prevention and psycho-social support that helps to improve adherence to measures, with a clear impact on the morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. MethodologyFor the development of the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, the steps followed were those defined in the Methodological Guidelines for the Preparation of Clinical Practice Guidelines with an Economic Assessment in the General Social Security System in Colombian Health by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia. ResultsRecommendations were established for the adequate development of an integrated cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with heart failure. The aspects approached included the assessment of functional capacity, effectivity and safety of the exercise, dosification, methodology, and rehabilitation in patients with devices. ConclusionThe practice of exercise in patients with stable heart has shown to reduce the number of hospital admissions, improve the quality of life and functional capacity. It has also shown to be safe in those that have a device implanted.

Clinical Efficacy of а Medical Centre- and Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease After Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery

Rehabilitation measures are crucial for maintaining clinical benefits of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of a medical centre- and home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients after CABG in an out-patient setting. The study included 36 male patients 3-8weeks after CABG that were randomly assigned to either study or control group. Patients from the study group performed a 60min excercise in controlled setting 3 times a week for 4months followed by home-based excercise later on, while patients from the control group only received a recommendation to perform the excercise at home in an uncontrolled setting. Total duration of the follow-up was 12months. Physical endurance in the study group increased by 32.6% (p <0.05) in comparison to baseline after 4months, and was maintained at this level after 12months, while in the control group, an improvement of 9.8% (p <0.05) was observed after 12months. Moreover, patients from the study group demonstrated a stable level of such risk factors as blood total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while in the control group, these parameters increased by 10.2% (p<0.05) and 15.6% (p<0.05) respectively by the end of follow-up. Controlled medical centre-based exercise resulted in improvement of patients' quality of life and reduction of cardiovascular complications (11.1% against 39.2% in the control group). The integral (medical centre and home-based) stage III CR program after CABG helped reducing cardiovascular risk factors, and improved clinical parameters and functional capacity of patients.

Dose–effect relationship of resistance training in cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review

Resistant training is an essential and effective component of cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the study was to find out the dose–effect relationship of resistant training in CRP for patients with CAD for the purpose of determining the optimal dose prescription that balances between safety and effectiveness. The study design was a systematic review with searching the electronic database of PEDro guided by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that resistant training added value to the aerobic training in CRP of patients with CAD and that different elements were used regarding its dose description, including intensity, frequency, duration, volume, and type. Regardless of the intensity, resistant training showed improvement in different outcome measures even more than aerobic training alone. High-repetition low-intensity resistant training showed to be beneficial. Both the duration of resistant training and time of involvement of it in the cardiac rehabilitation have an influence on its effect. Both dynamic and isometric resistant training programs were effective, in favor of the isometric type, and both concentric and eccentric training programs were effective, in favor of the eccentric type. The dose–effect of the resistant training in cardiac rehabilitation of patients with coronary artery diseases is not dependent only on the 5 elements for dose prescription, but it is largely dependent on the interactions between these 5 elements.

The role and outcome of cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with diminished cardiac function, and exercise tolerance. We sought to investigate the role of cardiac rehabilitation program (CR) in patients with AF. The study included 2165 consecutive patients that participated in our CR program between the years 2009 to 2015. All were evaluated by a standard exercise stress test (EST) at baseline, and upon completion of at least 3 months of training. Participants were dichotomized according to baseline fitness and the degree of functional improvement. The combined primary end point was cardiac related hospitalization or all-cause mortality. A total of 292 patients had history of AF, with a mean age of 68 ± 9 years old, 76% of which were males. The median predicted baseline fitness of AF patients was significantly lower compared to non-AF patients (103% vs 122%, P < 0.001, respectively). Prominent improvement was achieved in the majority of the patients in both groups (64% among AF patients and 63% among those without AF). Median improvement in fitness between stress tests was significantly higher in patients with AF (124% vs 110%, P < 0.001, respectively). Among AF patients, high baseline fitness was associated with a lower event rates (HR 0.40; 95%CI 0.23-0.70; P = 0.001). Moreover, prominent improvement during CR showed a protective effect (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69-0.99; P = 0.04). In patients with AF participating in CR program, low fitness levels at baseline EST are associated with increased risk of total mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization during long-term follow-up. Improvement on follow-up EST diminishes the risk.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease

The pathology of aortic dilatation is still not fully understood. Increased aortic dimensions are found in patients with hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve or various elastopathies, most commonly with Marfan syndrome. In general, there is only a mild adaptation of the aortic root to physical activity. Although there is no clear evidence that physical activity significantly influences aortic root size, individuals with thoracic aortic disease (TAD) are generally discouraged from engaging in sports activities. Most of them resign from sports and moves toward sedentary life with all of its consequences such as obesity, hypertension, and worsening lipid profile. There are also many sedentary individuals with TAD who had never even started any physical activity for the same reasons. Athletes who survived aortic dissection may also be stressed about regaining sports activity. On the other hand, there is mounting data on the potentially beneficial influence of mild-to-moderate exercise in patients with TAD. Therefore, a design of a comprehensive, monitored, cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with TAD, presented in the current manuscript, is highly warranted. It is based on an available data and should help both doctors and patients with TAD to overcome restrictions regarding the safety of sports activity. If proven successful, it may be used in the future for exercise prescription in patients with TAD in the community setting.

Novel molecular biomarkers’ response to a cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients with ischaemic heart diseases

Objective: Few data are available on the effect of resistance exercise training combined with endurance training (circuit training) on new molecular biomarkers which are considered as early independent risk factors for atherosclerosis progression. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a cardiac rehabilitation programme (CRP), on homocysteine (Hcy), apolipoprotein A1, peak VO2 and muscle strength in patients with stable angina pectoris.Method: A total of 40 male patients with stable angina pectoris class I and class II according to the NYHA classification were recruited. Their ages ranged between 40 and 50 years. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group (A), the training group who received CRP for three months and Group (B), the control group.Results: At the end of the programme, the study group (A) showed a significant reduction in homocysteine along with a significant increase in ApoA1, peak VO2 and muscle strength, while the control group showed a non-significant increase in homocysteine, peak VO2 and muscle strength along with a non-significant decrease in ApoA1. There was a negative strong correlation between Hcy and apolipoprotein A1 (r = −0.76, p = .0001), between Hcy and peak VO2 (r = −0.81, p = .0001) and strong positive correlation between peak VO2 and ApoA1 in the study group.Conclusion: It could be concluded that CRP reduced serum Hcy levels with an increase in apolipoprotein A1, peak VO2 and muscle strength in patients with angina pectoris.

Efecto de la rehabilitación cardiaca fase II en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca diagnosticados con miocardio no compacto

Background: Non-compacted myocardium is a recently described cardiomyopathy. It can present itself at any age as different clinical entities, such as heart failure syndrome, arrhythmias, systemic embolism, or sudden death. Scientifi c evidence demonstrates a decrease in mortality in patients with heart failure who are admitted to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Objective: To evaluate the effect of phase II cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients diagnosed with heart failure secondary to non-compacted myocardium. Material and methods: An observational and retrospective study was performed, reviewing the cases diagnosed with non-compacted myocardium registered in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service until 2016. Results: Five patients with a mean age of 42 ± 10.5 years were included, with a female majority. At the end of the phase II cardiac rehabilitation program, all the patients presented decreased dyspnea, edema and plethora (100%, p = 0.063); a reduction in systolic blood pressure, mean: 4.8 mmHg, p = 0.434; an increase of maximum heart rate, average of 10 beats per minute, p = 0.178. No changes were observed in the Mets or in the stress test time. Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation represents an alternative in the management of heart failure secondary to non-compacted myocardium.