Concurrent GLP-1-RA therapy did not impede improvements in aerobic endurance (+114m vs +150m; p=0.857) or body composition during a 3-week early cardiac rehabilitation program.
Observational (n=64)
Does concurrent GLP-1-RA therapy attenuate improvements in aerobic endurance and body composition in cardiac patients participating in an early cardiac rehabilitation program?
Concurrent GLP-1-RA therapy does not impede functional and body composition improvements, including skeletal muscle mass, during early cardiac rehabilitation.
Absolute Event Rate: 114% vs 150%
p-value: p=0.857
Abstract Background Glucagon-like-peptide-1-receptor-agonists (GLP-1-RAs) are widely used for glycemic control and weight management in patients with cardiovascular disease. While effective for reducing body fat, these agents are associated with loss of muscle mass. Purpose This study aimed to determine if GLP-1-RAs therapy attenuates improvements in aerobic endurance and body composition in patients participating in an early cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study of cardiac patients completing a 3-week early CR program. Median time from cardiac event to CR initiation was 8 days 7–10. Patients receiving GLP-1-RAs (GLP-1; n=32; mean age: 65 yr; BMI: 33 kg/m²) were propensity-matched for age, sex, body composition, and comorbidities with patients not receiving GLP-1-RAs (noGLP-1; n=32; mean age: 64.5yr; BMI: 31.8kg/m²). Aerobic endurance was assessed by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Body composition – including body fat mass (BFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and myosteatosis (BFM/SMM ratio) – was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results Both groups improved significantly in aerobic endurance (GLP-1: +114m 90–176, p0.001; noGLP-1: +150 m 108–1175, p0.001), with no between-group difference (p=0.857). No significant differences were found between groups in pre-to-post CR changes for weight (GLP-1: -2.6kg -6.6– -1.3; noGLP-1: -3.0kg -4.4– -1.5; p=0.971), BFM (GLP-1: -0.9kg -2.5–0.5; noGLP-1: -0.45kg -1.2–0.5; p=0.214), SMM (GLP-1: -1.0kg -2.5–0; noGLP-1: -1.2kg -2.4– -0.7; p=0457), or BFM/SMM ratio (GLP-1: -0.01; noGLP-1: +0.03; p=0.248). A negative correlation was observed between myosteatosis and 6MWT at baseline (GLP-1: rho=−0.49; noGLP-1: rho=−0.28) and post-CR (GLP-1: rho=−0.59; noGLP-1: rho=−0.34), without significant differences between groups (baseline: z=−0.93, p=0.35; post-CR: z=−1.21, p=0.23). Conclusion A 3-week, early-initiation CR program improves aerobic endurance and body composition in cardiac patients, with no interference from concurrent GLP-1-RA therapy. Future studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes and explore potential synergistic effects of combined CR and GLP-1RA therapy.
Riess et al. (Mon,) conducted a observational in Cardiovascular disease (n=64). GLP-1-RAs vs. No GLP-1-RAs was evaluated on Change in aerobic endurance (6-minute walk test distance) (p=0.857). Concurrent GLP-1-RA therapy did not impede improvements in aerobic endurance (+114m vs +150m; p=0.857) or body composition during a 3-week early cardiac rehabilitation program.
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