Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Safety of exercise therapy after acute pulmonary embolism
Rafael S Cires-Drouet1, Minerva Mayorga-Carlin1, Shahab Toursavadkohi1,2
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Objective:
The role of exercise therapy after acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Exercise therapy is safely used after myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of exercise therapy after acute PE.
Methods:
We implemented a 3-month exercise program after acute PE. Outcomes were death, bleeding, readmissions, recurrent events, changes in peak VO2 and quality of life (QoL).
Results:
A total of 23 patients were enrolled and received anticoagulation; no adverse events were reported during the exercise period. One death, 1 DVT and 5 readmissions were reported due to non-exercise related reasons. Functional capacity improved as evidenced by an increased peak VO2 at 3 months (+3.9 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min; p = 0.05). Improvement in QoL was observed at 6-months on the functional (+17.0 ± 22.6, p = 0.03) and physical health factor scales (+0.9 ± 4.6, p = 0.03).
Conclusion:
Exercise therapy is feasible and safe in appropriately anticoagulated patients after PE.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
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...
Exercise Stress Test
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
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:

