Background: Aim- to determine the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
Aim: Patient population and methods – 5 male patients, age range = 32 - 59 with LVAD who joined Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) in the period 1/9/2009 -1/4/2013 were studied retrospectively. 4 were considered to be on bridge therapy and one alleged to be on destination therapy. 3 patients were referred from non–regional cardiac surgery departments, and 1 self-referral. 3 patients had an ICD and 2 had a CRTD. Demographics, program adherence time, rest ECG, mean blood pressure, spiroergometric VO2max, and 6 minutes walk distance test (6MWD) data were compared to a group of 7 heart transplanted patients (TX) who joined CR during the period 1.1.1988 – 1.5.2013, one patient was included in both groups. Tests were done upon admission and following 12 weeks of training. Pump speed was not changed during the program period. Ratings of perceived exertion appeared to be not reliable and were not routinely applied.
Results: LVAD patients joined CR program 85+/- 17 days after implantation; none of them completed the usual 12 weeks training program, and the adherence time was 32.8 +/- 5.7 days (range =21– 72 days) compared to 81+/- 7.5 sd in the TX group (p <0.01). 6MWD was 427+/- 19 vs 519+/- 46 in the TX group, p
Conclusions: exercise program for LVAD patients is feasible, however, it seems that these programs should be delivered at the implantation and follow up sites, even if distant from patient residence place.
