EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW INTENSITY EXERCISES ON SIX MINUTE WALK DISTANCE AND HAEMODYNAMIC VARIABLES IN CABG AND VALVE REPLACEMENT PATIENTS DURING PHASE 1 CARDIAC REHABILITATION IN A TERTIARY CARE SETUP: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases are common and devastating health problem in India. The most common is the coronary artery diseases and heart valve diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation programme is an essential, useful and safe part of the care for patients with cardiovascular disease. The present study was under taken to compare the effectiveness of low level intensity exercises on haemodynamic variables and functional capacity in subjects enrolled in phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty (30) adult subjects both male and female comprising of CABG (15 subjects) and valve replacement (15 subjects) were included. Low intensity exercises were given to both groups which included range of motion exercises, stretching and minimal strength training. Haemodynamic variables and six minute walk distance were assessed pre and post invention in all the subjects. RESULTS: The study demonstrated BMI to be lower valve replacement group than CABG group (p = 0.008). Ejection fraction(%) were higher in valve replacement subjects compared to CABG subjects (p = 0.027). Significant mean differences were noted in the heart rate between both the groups. (p = 0.045). There was a significant improvement in the six minute walk distance (p = 0.048) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Low intensity exercises demonstrated improvements in heart rate and functional capacity in subjects with CABG and valve replacement in phase I cardiac rehabilitation.