Participation in the Cardiac Transplant Games: Impact on health‐related quality of life

Despite pre‐operative deconditioning and lowered aerobic capacity for cardiac transplant patients, significant exercise benefits have been documented following hospital‐based rehabilitation. Patient‐led groups have also developed exercise‐based events, e.g. the Cardiac Transplant Games. These may have significant psychosocial, as well as physical benefits, but are also potential sources of stress. This study examined patients from a National Transplant Centre, intending to participate in the international Cardiac Transplant Games. Twenty patients (15 male/5 female) were assessed to determine medical suitability and prescribe training schedules. Psychological assessment was completed seven to 12 weeks before (T1), the week before (T2), and a week after the Games (T3). This included physical symptoms, body image, anxiety, mood and health‐related quality of life (QoL). One patient was advised not to participate, five withdrew (three for health reasons), leaving 14 participants (13 male/1 female), mean age 46.4 (range 31–67) years. Results (for 12 of 14 participants) indicated significant effects for body image and physical symptoms; both improved from T1–T2; this benefit was retained at T3. There was no change in anxiety, mood or health‐related QoL over time. Thus participation in a sporting event by well‐selected transplant patients was associated with no negative psychological effects but with decreased physical symptomatology and an enhanced body image.