Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine
Published on: February 9, 2016
Exercise training and cardiac autonomic function following coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and
Purnima Kushwaha1, Jamal Ali Moiz1, Aqsa Mujaddadi2
1Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India.
Insights
Exercise training improves cardiac autonomic function in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This review found significant improvements in heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) parameters following exercise interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
Background:
- The impact of exercise training on cardiac autonomic function in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients remains debated.
- Assessing changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) is crucial for understanding autonomic function post-CABG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of exercise training on HRV and HRR in patients who have undergone CABG.
- To synthesize current evidence on exercise's role in enhancing cardiac autonomic function after CABG surgery.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and PEDro databases was conducted up to May 2022.
- Eleven studies were qualitatively analyzed, with eight included in a quantitative synthesis using a random-effect model meta-analysis.
- Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) were calculated to estimate the effect of exercise on various HRV indices.
Main Results:
- Exercise training significantly improved key HRV indices, including standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and high frequency (HF) power.
- A significant improvement was observed in the low frequency-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, indicating a shift towards parasympathetic dominance.
- Pooled data analysis demonstrated statistically significant positive effects of exercise on HRV parameters (p < 0.05 for all significant findings).
Conclusions:
- Exercise training demonstrably enhances cardiac autonomic function in patients following CABG.
- Methodological variations in HRV assessment contribute to ongoing debate regarding the precise effects on autonomic function.
- Future high-quality trials with standardized methodologies are recommended to further elucidate autonomic adaptations to exercise post-CABG.
Background:
Exercise training improves cardiac autonomic function is still debatable in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of the present review is to assess the effect of exercise on CABG patient's heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) parameters.
Main Body:
Databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PEDro) were accessed for systematic search from inception till May 2022. Eleven potential studies were qualitatively analyzed by using PEDro and eight studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Meta-analysis was conducted by using a random-effect model, inverse-variance approach through which standardized mean differences (SMDs) were estimated. The analysis of pooled data showed that exercise training improved HRV indices of standard deviation of the R-R intervals (SDNN) [SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.17, 0.71, p = 0.002], square root of the mean squared differences between adjacent R-R intervals (RMSSD) [SMD 0.68, 95% CI 0.28, 1.08, p = 0.0008], high frequency (HF) [SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.18, 0.98, p = 0.005] and low frequency-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio [SMD - 0.34, 95% CI - 0.65, - 0.02, p = 0.03].
Conclusions:
Exercise training enhances cardiac autonomic function in CABG patients. Owing to the methodological inconsistencies in assessing HRV, the precise effect on autonomic function still remains conflicted. Future high-quality trials are needed focusing on precise methodological approach and incorporation of various types of exercise training interventions will give clarity regarding autonomic adaptations post-exercise training in CABG. Trial registration CRD42021230270 , February 19, 2021.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise 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...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:26Exercise 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