Effects of cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity, psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients with left ventricular assist device

Abstract

Background: In this prospective randomized trial, we aimed to study the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity, depression and quality of life, in patiens undergone left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation for the treatment of heart failure. We also aimed to compare the effectiveness of home and hospital based exercise programs. Methods: 42 patients who had received LVAD implants in our university hospital were included in the study. After the subjects were randomized into hospital exercise group (n=20) and home exercise group (n=22). They were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program for 8 weeks, which lasted for one hour, three times per week in hospital and at home respectively. All subjects were assessed at baseline and after the 8th week. Results: In our study we detected a significant improvement in peak oxygen expenditure (peak VO2), six minute walk test values and in Minnesota living with heart failure quentionnaire, state- trait anxiety inventory, state anxiety subscore in the hospital exercise group (p