Neuromuscular training-based cardiac rehabilitation improved Incremental Shuttle Walk Test performance compared to classic strength training at 6-month follow-up (MD 214; 95% CI 61 to 367).
RCT (n=30)
Double-blind
random
No
Does a cardiac rehabilitation programme based on neuromuscular training improve functional capacity in patients with acute coronary syndrome?
A cardiac rehabilitation program based on neuromuscular training provides greater medium-term improvements in functional capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness compared to classic strength training in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Mean Difference: 214 (95% CI 61–367)
Absolute Event Rate: 732% vs 518%
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation programme based on neuromuscular training (NMT) compared with classic rehabilitation strength training (CRST) in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). DESIGN: Preliminary randomised, double-blinded, parallel clinical trial. SETTING: University health clinic in Valencia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients with ACS. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to one of two groups at random: the NMT group (n = 15) and the CRST group (n = 15). All patients attended the 20 sessions of the exercise programme. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT). The secondary outcomes were the Chester Step Test (CST), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), and hip flexor dynamometry. Assessments were made at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The NMT group showed a greater improvement in the ISWT than the CRST group, both at post-treatment mean 648 standard deviation (SD) 197 vs 493 (SD 219), mean difference 155, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 310 and at follow-up 732 (SD 183) vs 518 (SD 222), mean difference 214, 95% CI 61 to 367. The secondary outcomes showed significant between-group differences in favour of the NMT group at 6-month follow-up, except for the 30CST. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicate that a cardiac rehabilitation programme based on NMT may improve functional capacity in terms of patient performance, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Moreover, the improvements were maintained at medium-term follow-up. This could help improve the design of rehabilitation sessions, considering factors associated with performing everyday activities in patients affected by ACS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04246008. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Valtueña‐Gimeno et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n=30). Neuromuscular training (NMT) vs. Classic rehabilitation strength training (CRST) was evaluated on Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) (MD 214, 95% CI 61 to 367). Neuromuscular training-based cardiac rehabilitation improved Incremental Shuttle Walk Test performance compared to classic strength training at 6-month follow-up (MD 214; 95% CI 61 to 367).