Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
04:24

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Published on: April 19, 2019

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease: a practice guideline

R J Achttien1, J B Staal, S van der Voort

  • 1Centre for Evidence-Based Physiotherapy and Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands, Retze.Achttien@gmail.com.

Netherlands Heart Journal : Monthly Journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation
|August 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Updated guidelines for exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients show strong evidence for effectiveness across all CR phases. The updated recommendations cover preoperative care, in-hospital mobilization, and outpatient rehabilitation, emphasizing a physically active lifestyle post-treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Sports Science

Background:

  • The Dutch Royal Society for Physiotherapists (KNGF) updated its exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) guideline for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.
  • This updated guideline complements the 2011 Dutch Multidisciplinary CR guideline by incorporating new topics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide updated, evidence-based recommendations for exercise-based CR in patients with CHD.
  • To enhance the quality of CR through structured assessment, treatment, and evaluation.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted to evaluate exercise interventions across all CR phases for CHD patients.
  • Evidence grading followed Dutch EBRO criteria (1-4); recommendations were based on expert opinion where scientific evidence was insufficient.
  • The guideline development involved a structured approach encompassing assessment, treatment, and evaluation.

Main Results:

  • Recommendations were formulated for preoperative physiotherapy, in-hospital mobilization, and outpatient rehabilitation phases.
  • Specific recommendations include aerobic exercise, strength training, and relaxation therapy during outpatient CR.
  • Guidance also covers the adoption and monitoring of a physically active lifestyle after supervised rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

  • There is robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of exercise-based CR throughout all phases for CHD patients.
  • Further evaluation is needed for the clinical implementation of this guideline.
  • Sustaining an active lifestyle after supervised rehabilitation requires continued attention and evaluation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Exercise Stress Test01:26

Exercise Stress Test

Introduction
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...