[Efficacy of Home-Based Exercise Training and Adherence to Therapy in Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting]

Abstract

Aim: to assess efficacy of home-based exercise training (HBET) at outpatient stage of cardiac rehabilitation and its impact on adherence to treatment in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Material and methods: In 1 month after CABG 112 male patients (after completion of rehabilitation program in the sanatorium) were distributed to 3 groups with comparable demographic, clinical, and functional parameters: group 1 - patients fulfilling supervised cycling training program (SCTP), group 2 - patients subjected to home-based exercise training (HBET) with defined walking sessions (WS), and the control group of usual care without exercise training. Patients were examined 1, 4 months and 1 year after CABG.

Results: Three months SCTP was most efficient relative to improvement of exercise tolerance (ET), modification of cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia), and of adherence to medical therapy. Lowest ET and worst adherence to medical and non-medical therapies were found in the group of usual care without exercise training. The intermediate position was occupied by patients subjected to HBET and WS. Effects of 3 months of HBET diminished by 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion: HBET of moderate intensity appeared to be safe, easily workable and affordable training program for patients after CABG. However, it was less effective, compared with SCTP. Moreover, effects of this rehabilitation program were transitory.

Keywords: coronary artery bypass grafting; home-based exercise training; rehabilitation; supervised cycling training program; walking sessions.