A Cycle Ergometer Exercise Program Improves Exercise Capacity and Inspiratory Muscle Function in Hospitalized Patients Awaiting Heart Transplantation: a Pilot Study

• Main Author: Forestieri,Patrícia
• Publication Date: 2016
• Other Authors: Guizilini,Solange, Peres,Monique, Bublitz,Caroline, Bolzan,Douglas W., Rocco,Isadora S., Santos,Vinícius B., Moreira,Rita Simone L., Breda,João R., Almeida,Dirceu R. de, Carvalho,Antonio Carlos de C., Arena,Ross, Gomes,Walter J.
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery (Online)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-76382016000500389
• topic: Heart Failure; Heart Transplantation; Respiratory Mechanics; Muscle Strength/*Physiology; Respiratory Therapy/*Methods

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cycle ergometer exercise program on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplantation with intravenous inotropic support. Methods: Patients awaiting heart transplantation were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: 1) Control Group (n=11) - conventional protocol; and 2) Intervention Group (n=7) - stationary cycle ergometer exercise training. Functional capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test and inspiratory muscle strength assessed by manovacuometry before and after the exercise protocols. Results: Both groups demonstrated an increase in six-minute walk test distance after the experimental procedure compared to baseline; however, only the intervention group had a significant increase (P =0.08 and P =0.001 for the control and intervention groups, respectively). Intergroup comparison revealed a greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.001). Regarding the inspiratory muscle strength evaluation, the intragroup analysis demonstrated increased strength after the protocols compared to baseline for both groups; statistical significance was only demonstrated for the intervention group, though (P =0.22 and P <0.01, respectively). Intergroup comparison showed a significant increase in the intervention group compared to the control (P <0.01). Conclusion: Stationary cycle ergometer exercise training shows positive results on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation while on intravenous inotropic support.