Home-based interval training increases endurance capacity in adults with complex congenital heart disease

• ObjectiveThe beneficial effects of exercise training in acquired heart failure and coronary artery disease are well known and have been implemented in current treatment guidelines. Knowledge on appropriate exercise training regimes for adults with congenital heart disease is limited, thus further studies are needed. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of home-based interval exercise training on maximal endurance capacity and peak exercise capacity. MethodsTwenty-six adults with complex congenital heart disease were recruited from specialized units for adult congenital heart disease. Patients were randomized to either an intervention group12 weeks of home-based interval exercise training on a cycle ergometer (n=16), or a control group (n=10). The latter was instructed to maintain their habitual physical activities. An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test and a constant work rate cardiopulmonary exercise test at 75% of peak workload were performed preintervention and postintervention. ResultsTwenty-three patients completed the protocol and were followed (intervention n=13, control n=10). Postintervention exercise time at constant work rate cardiopulmonary exercise test increased in the intervention group compared to controls (median[range] 12[-4 to 52]min vs 0[-4 to 5]min, P=.001). At incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test, peak VO2 increased 15% within the intervention group (P=.019) compared to 2% within the control group (P=.8). However, in comparison between the groups no difference was found (285[-200 to 535] ml/min vs 17[-380 to 306] ml/min, P=.10). In addition, peak workload at incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test increased in the intervention group compared to controls (20[-10 to 70]W vs 0[-20 to 15]W, P=.003). ConclusionHome-based interval exercise training increased endurance capacity and peak exercise capacity in adults with complex congenital heart disease. Aerobic endurance might be more relevant than peak oxygen uptake with regard to daily activities, and therefore a more clinically relevant measure to evaluate.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

adult

cardiopulmonary exercise testing

congenital heart disease

constant work rate

exercise training

interval training

randomized controlled-trial

improves exercise capacity

systemic right

ventricle

quality-of-life

fontan circulation

young-adults

pulmonary

rehabilitation

corrected tetralogy

physical-exercise

depression scale

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology

adult

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