Both hospital-based and home-based resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and 6-minute walk test distance compared to the control group (p<0.001).
RCT (n=37)
Randomized
Does hospital-based or home-based resistance training improve muscle strength and functional capacity in individuals with adult congenital heart disease compared to physical activity recommendations?
Both hospital-based and home-based resistance training safely and effectively improve muscle strength and functional capacity in adults with congenital heart disease compared to standard physical activity recommendations.
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Background/Introduction In individuals with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), age-related declines in muscle strength and functional capacity occur in addition to the cardiovascular impairments resulting from congenital abnormalities. Resistance training is known to enhance muscle strength and improve functional capacity. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the effects of hospital-based and home-based resistance training on muscle strength and functional capacity in individuals with ACHD. Methods A randomized controlled trial design was used. Individuals with ACHD were assigned to hospital-based resistance training group, home-based resistance training group, or control group. A total of 37 individuals with ACHD, 13 in hospital-based resistance training group (22.00 ± 2.52 years), 11 in home-based resistance training group (25.09 ± 8.41 years), and 13 in control group (23.92 ± 5.36 years), were included in the study. Muscle strength was assessed using a digital dynamometer, and functional capacity was evaluated with the six minute walk test (6MWT). The hospital-based resistance training group performed 12 weeks of resistance exercises using weight station equipment and elastic bands under physiotherapist supervision, while the home-based resistance training group completed a 12-week resistance program at home with elastic bands, monitored via online sessions. The control group received only physical activity recommendations. Results No adverse events related to the cardiovascular system, falls, or musculoskeletal injuries were observed in any participant throughout the study. Changes in knee extension strength, shoulder abduction strength, shoulder flexion strength, and 6MWT distance were significantly greater in both the hospital-based and home-based resistance training groups compared to the control group (p0.001), with no significant difference observed between the hospital-based and home-based resistance training groups (p0.05). Conclusion(s) Both hospital-based and home-based resistance training were found to improve muscle strength and functional capacity. The study demonstrated that resistance training with minimal equipment, performed at home under remote supervision, is feasible, effective, and safe for individuals with ACHD.
Saglam et al. (Mon,) conducted a rct in Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) (n=37). Hospital-based and home-based resistance training vs. Control group (physical activity recommendations) was evaluated on Muscle strength (knee extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion) and functional capacity (6MWT distance) (p=<0.001). Both hospital-based and home-based resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and 6-minute walk test distance compared to the control group (p<0.001).