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A pilot study examining the safety and effectiveness of 8-weeks of early cardiac rehabilitation on physical function and psychological well-being in patients following aortic root replacement

Najafabadi, Mahboubeh; Niazi, Sepideh; Mortazavian, Soudabehsadat; Khah, Amir; Ingle, Lee

Authors

Mahboubeh Najafabadi

Sepideh Niazi

Soudabehsadat Mortazavian

Amir Khah



Abstract

AIM: To determine the effects of a structured, moderate-intensity, early cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on physical function and psychological wellbeing in patients following aortic root replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to either an 8-week (24 sessions) cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program, 4 to 6 weeks after aortic root replacement using the Bentall procedure, or to an age- and sex-matched control group undertaking no structured exercise. Physical function (via exercise treadmill test (ETT)) and psychological wellbeing (assessed via DASS-21 and SF36) were assessed before and following 8-weeks of CR. RESULTS: 30 patients (15 in the control (mean age: 37±10 years) and 15 in the intervention group (mean age: 38±11 years)) completed the 8-week CR programme and no adverse events were reported over the intervention period. In the CR group, all sub-components of the SF-36 and DASS-21 increased (all P < 0.05), showing an overall improvement in psychological wellbeing following the intervention. Distance walked on the ETT (improved significantly following 8-weeks of CR (490±167 m v 659±141 m; Λ improvement = 169 m; P < 0.05). There were no changes in physical function and psychological wellbeing in the controls (P > 0.05). A significant group-by-time interaction effect was evident for physical function and all sub-components of the SF-36 and DASS-21 (all P < 0.05) highlighting significant improvements in outcomes in the CR group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: This small sample, aerobic-based, moderate-intensity CR is safe and effective, and can be tolerated only 4-6 weeks after complex aortic root replacement surgery.

Citation

Najafabadi, M., Niazi, S., Mortazavian, S., Khah, A., & Ingle, L. (2022). A pilot study examining the safety and effectiveness of 8-weeks of early cardiac rehabilitation on physical function and psychological well-being in patients following aortic root replacement. Physiotherapy Practice and Research, 43(1), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.3233/PPR-210541

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 9, 2022
Online Publication Date Mar 25, 2022
Publication Date 2022
Deposit Date Apr 19, 2022
Publicly Available Date Apr 22, 2022
Journal Physiotherapy Practice and Research
Print ISSN 2213-0683
Electronic ISSN 2213-0691
Publisher IOS Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 1
Pages 37-43
DOI https://doi.org/10.3233/PPR-210541
Keywords Cardiac rehabilitation; Bentall procedure; Depression; Anxiety
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3979878

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Copyright Statement
©2022 The authors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder.





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