Exercise interventions in patients with thoracic aortic disease improved physical function and capacity with no serious adverse events, though mental health outcomes showed mixed results.
Do exercise interventions improve quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with thoracic aortic disease?
Exercise interventions appear safe and may enhance physical performance in patients with thoracic aortic disease, though effects on mental health remain uncertain.
Purpose: Thoracic aortic disease (TAD), including type A acute aortic dissection and Marfan Syndrome, requires lifelong management. Exercise may offer benefits, but the impact of exercise on quality of life (QoL), cardiovascular outcomes, and safety remains unclear. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on exercise effects in patients with TAD. Review Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published up to June 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria included original studies evaluating exercise interventions in patients with TAD or related genetic conditions. Studies reporting outcomes on QoL and cardiovascular status or safety were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review; discrepancies were resolved by a third. Data extraction covered population, intervention, and outcomes related to QoL, cardiovascular health, and adverse events. Summary: Nine studies were included, comprising randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational designs. Exercise interventions varied from moderate-intensity aerobic training, resistance training, and personalized rehabilitation programs. Most studies reported improved physical function and capacity, particularly in post-surgical patients with type A acute aortic dissection. Mental health outcomes showed mixed results; some studies reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression, while others found no significant changes in the mental component of QoL. No serious adverse events occurred, although systolic blood pressure responses varied greatly. Despite limited evidence, exercise may enhance physical performance in patients with TAD, although the impact on mental health remains uncertain. Future research should focus on optimizing intervention protocols, incorporating psychosocial support, and establishing evidence-based safety thresholds for exercise-induced blood pressure changes.
Bækgaard et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Thoracic aortic disease (TAD) (n=9). Exercise interventions was evaluated on Quality of life, cardiovascular health, and adverse events. Exercise interventions in patients with thoracic aortic disease improved physical function and capacity with no serious adverse events, though mental health outcomes showed mixed results.
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