Research: BRUGEMANN and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 154

Abstract

BRUGEMANN and COLLEAGUES, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen Thoraxcentre, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. J.Brugemann@thorax.umcg.nl compared two methods of cardiac rehabilitation programmes upon quality of life.

Background

It is unclear if psycho-education on top of physical training is of additional value regarding quality of life in revascularised patients. DESIGN: Prospective randomised study comparing two types of cardiac rehabilitation: exercise based versus a more comprehensive approach including psychological therapy.

Methodology

One hundred and thirty-seven male patients who underwent an uncomplicated coronary revascularisation procedure and who were mentally in a good condition, were randomised to one of two types of cardiac rehabilitation: physical training plus information about their disease ('Fit' program) during 6 weeks or comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation which, on top of the Fit-program, included weekly psycho-education sessions and relaxation therapy ('Fit-Plus' program) for 8 weeks. One hundred and four patients were analysed. Quality of life was measured by the 'Leiden Quality of Life questionnaire' and by the RAND-36 (quality of life) questionnaire.

Results

Quality of life improved in both treatment groups in the course of time up to 9 months after cardiac rehabilitation and there was no difference between the two types of cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise capacity improved likewise, blood lipid profile was unaffected and energy intake decreased in each treatment group but, again, there were no inter-group differences.

Conclusion

After an uncomplicated revascularisation procedure, physical training plus information results in a comparable outcome on quality of life when compared to a more comprehensive program including additional psycho-education and relaxation therapy.

References

Brugemann J, Poels BJ, Oosterwijk MH,  van der Schans CP,  Postema K,  van Veldhuisen DJ. A randomised controlled trial of cardiac rehabilitation after revascularisation. International Journal of Cardiology. 119(1):59-64, Jun 25 2007.

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