A Home-based walking program improves respiratory endurance in patients suffering an acute myocardial infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: Canadian journal of cardiology
• Main Authors: Matos-Garcia, Bruna C., PT, Rocco, Isadora S., PT, Maiorano, Lara D., PT, Peixoto, Thatiana C.A., MSc, Moreira, Rita Simone L., PhD, Carvalho, Antonio C.C., PhD, Catai, Aparecida Maria, PhD, Arena, Ross, PhD, Gomes, Walter J., PhD, Guizilini, Solange, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Cardiovascular
• ISSN: 0828-282X; 1916-7075
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2016.12.004

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to: evaluate respiratory muscle strength and endurance in patients recently suffering myocardial infarction (MI) at inpatient period and investigate the effects of a home-based walking program on respiratory strength and endurance in post-MI patients with low risk. Methods Patients were randomized into: Usual Care Group (UCG) entailing regular care (n=23); and Intervention group (IG) entailing an outpatient home-based walking program (n=31). Healthy subjects gender and age-matched served as a control group for respiratory endurance variables. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated through maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and endurance during the inpatient period, 15-days and 60-days after MI. Submaximal functional capacity was determined by 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at hospital discharge and 60 days after MI. Results Both groups showed impaired inspiratory muscle strength at hospital discharge. When compared with healthy subjects, post MI patients had worse respiratory muscle endurance pressure (PTHMAX= 73.02 ±8.40 vs 44.47±16.32, p<0.05) and time (Tlim= 324.1±12.2 vs 58.7±93.3, p<0.05). Only the IG showed a significant improvement in MIP and PTHMAX in 15 days and 60 days after MI (p<0.05). When comparing groups, the IG achieved higher values for MIP, PTHMAX and Tlim 15 and 60 days after MI (p<0.01). The 60-day assessment revealed that the 6MWT distance and level of physical activity was significantly higher in the IG compared to the UCG. Conclusion Low risk patients recently suffering a MI demonstrate impaired MIP and respiratory endurance compared to healthy subjects. A home-based walking program improved respiratory endurance and functional capacity.