Abstract |
Purpose: The RPE 11-13 and RHR+20 methods are used to set exercise intensity for cardiac rehabilitation programs, which
are usually performed during a 1-week hospital stay after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); however, studies
quantifying the actual changes in cardiopulmonary function and inter-subject variability for each approach are limited.
Methods: In this study, 50 patients (43 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 63.6 ± 8.8 years who participated in
an inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program after CABG were eligible for inclusion. Of the 50 patients, 16 dropped out (six
patients refused to exercise and 10 patients were discharged midway), and finally, 34 patients participated in this study.
Cardiopulmonary function and handgrip strength were evaluated, and after 1 week of cardiac rehabilitation, the evaluation
parameters were reevaluated at the outpatient visit. Results: Both the RHR+20 and RPE 11-13 groups showed a
significant increase in the peak VO2 and a large effect size after cardiac rehabilitation (F[1,32]; p<.001; ηp2=.52), and
overall, the RHR+20 group showed a higher peak VO2 t han the R PE 1 1-13 group (F[1,32]; p =.037; ηp2=.13). The RHR+20
group showed significantly greater improvements in the peak VO2 than the RPE 11-13 group and had a larger effect size
(F[1,32]; p=.001; ηp2=.30). Conclusion: Studies applying different exercise protocols to patients with acute CABG are
insufficient. However, in this study, the RHR+20 exercise protocol has been shown to be stable and effective for cardiac
rehabilitation in patients after CABG. |