[Non-randomized trial to evaluate a continuous physiotherapy program versus interval in overweight patients suffering...

We present a non-randomised trial to evaluate a continuous physiotherapy program versus a periodic one in overweight patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome.

To detect differences between a continuous (CONT) physiotherapy program (PF) and a periodic (INT) physiotherapy program in overweight patients with acute coronary syndrome on anthropometric parameters, analytical parameters, heart rate, adherence, drop-outs, safety and tolerance.

A multicentre, non-randomised two-armed quasi-experimental study with pre-post design.

Community cardiac prevention centres (Manises, Valencia-LaFe, Játiva-Onteniente Health Department).

The study included a total of 339 overweight participants with acute coronary syndrome; living in the community; aged more than 18; no contraindication for physical exercise; no previous participation in a PF.

Participants were assigned to a CONT training or an INT training (2 months). Each session was divided in warm-up, endurance, and cool-down. Endurance was performed at 12-13 Borg intensity and with heat rate calculated, with maximum heat rate obtained in the baseline ergometry.

Body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, resting heat rate, adherence, drop-outs, safety, and tolerance were assessed.

The CONT group showed significantly better differences in body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and resting heat rate. No differences were observed in adherence, drop-outs, safety, and tolerance.

The CONT group obtained better results in all variables except for HDL cholesterol. Both programs offered a high adherence, safety, and tolerance.