Effects of a Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program on functional capacity and body composition for coronary heart disease

Introduction and objectives: The effects of a phase III cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) have been insufficiently studied in terms of training methods and administration. We studied the impact on functional capacity, body composition and physical activity engagement of interdisciplinary program based on aerobic and community strength therapeutic exercise after an acute coronary syndrome. Trial design: Randomised clinical trial. Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with stable ischemic heart disease and preserved systolic function before phase II CRP were included. They were distributed into a control group (CG), with autonomous exercise, and an experimental group (EG), that follows supervised community program based on aerobic exercise and overload dynamic muscle strength, and an educational strategy through short messaging. Both groups underwent monthly inpatient group therapy. Results were compared after 12 months. Results: Functional capacity presented higher levels in the EG and measured by the 6-min walk test (26.0 ± 27.4 m; P<.001), and maximal exercise test (0.6 ± 2.2 METs; P=.021). Home physical activity measured in minutes by IPAQ questionnaire increased more in the EG (90 ± 78 min/week) (P=.047), and the sitting time during the week decreased (−50.25 ± 94.48 min/day) (P=.001). There were no differences in body mass index, although we found a higher percentage of adipose tissue in CG after 12 months (P=.039). Conclusions: A multidisciplinary community phase III CRP based on aerobic and dynamic muscle strength therapeutic exercise combined with a short message service educational strategy was feasible. After 12 months, patients in the EG presented higher levels on functional capacity, reported higher physical activity engagement compared to the CG.