Effects of bicycle ergometer training on functional capacity in phase I among heart valve surgery patients – a randomized controlled trial

Background. Valvular diseases and their surgical repair or replacement are increasing globally among cardiovascular conditions. Phase I post-surgery patients often experience pain, fatigue, reduced appetite, fear, and sleep disturbances, impairing physical activity. Bicycle ergometer training, conducted in a seated position, provides an effective alternative for immediate post-operative rehabilitation. Aim. To compare the efficacy of a bicycle ergometer-based exercise program to a routine exercise protocol on functional capacity in phase I cardiac rehabilitation. Methodology. Twenty-three patients aged 30 to 60 years, who underwent valve surgery with resting oxygen saturation greater than 90% and low-risk profiles (left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 50%), were randomized into control (n = 12) and study (n = 11) groups. The control group received routine care, while the study group received routine care plus cycle ergometer training for 20 minutes, twice a day, starting from the third post-operative day until discharge. Both groups underwent the Six-Minute Walk Test before and after the intervention. Physiological responses such as heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored during training. Results. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There was an increase in the six-minute walk distance after training in both groups, and the mean difference was significant in the study group (365.5 ± 46.3) compared to the control group (266.7 ± 40.1) with p ≤ 0.05. In the study group, there was a significant reduction in resting HR (p = 0.048), peak HR (p = 0.010), and rate of perceived exertion (p = 0.04). Conclusion. Bicycle ergometer training significantly improved functional capacity compared to routine care. It is feasible and beneficial for phase I cardiac rehabilitation in valve replacement surgery patients.