Efficacy of Multiple Exercise Therapy after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control

Md Moneruzzaman1, Wei-Zhen Sun1, Geoffrey J Changwe2,3

  • 1Rehabilitation Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, China.

Insights

Multiple exercise therapy significantly enhances rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, improving functional capacity. However, overly complex protocols may not improve quality of life, warranting further research into optimal exercise strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery aims to restore heart function but carries risks of post-operative complications.
  • Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for patients undergoing CABG.
  • This review examines the impact of single versus multiple exercise therapy on post-CABG recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effects of single and multiple exercise therapy interventions on patient rehabilitation following CABG surgery.
  • To compare the efficacy of different exercise modalities in improving functional capacity and exercise tolerance post-CABG.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost from 2000 to 2022.
  • Inclusion of nine randomized controlled trials involving 599 CABG patients.
  • Analysis of outcomes related to functional capacity (e.g., 6-minute walking distance) and exercise tolerance (e.g., peak oxygen uptake).

Main Results:

  • Multiple exercise therapy, including inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise, showed significant improvements in 6-minute walking distance in inpatient settings compared to single exercise therapy.
  • Peak oxygen uptake improvements were observed at follow-up in the multiple exercise group but not at discharge.
  • Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation incorporating high-intensity inspiratory muscle training, resistance training, and aerobic exercise significantly improved both 6-minute walking distance and peak oxygen uptake at discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple exercise therapy demonstrates superior efficacy over single exercise therapy in enhancing functional and exercise capacity for both inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation after CABG.
  • Protocols involving extensive exercise combinations may not necessarily lead to improved quality of life.
  • Inspiratory muscle training and resistance training are key components that significantly influence outcomes, meriting further investigation.
Abstract