Who will be active? Predicting exercise stage transitions after hospitalization for coronary artery disease

We describe transitions between exercise stages of change in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) over a 6-month period following a CAD-related hospitalization and evaluate constructs from Protection Motivation Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, the Ecological Model, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation as correlates of stage transition. Seven hundred eighty-two adults hospitalized with CAD were recruited and administered a baseline survey including assessments of theory-based constructs and exercise stage of change. Mailed surveys were used to gather information concerning exercise stage of change and participation in cardiac rehabilitation 6 months later. Progression from pre-action stages between baseline and 6 month follow-up was associated with greater perceived efficacy of exercise to reduce risk of future disease, fewer barriers to exercise, more access to home exercise equipment, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation. Regression from already active stages between baseline and 6 month follow-up was associated with increased perceived susceptibility to a future CAD-related event, fewer intentions to exercise, lower self-efficacy, and more barriers to exercise.     

Peak Oxygen Uptake after Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a 12-Month Maintenance Program versus Usual Care

Background

Exercise capacity is a strong predictor of survival in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise capacity improves after cardiac rehabilitation exercise training, but previous studies have demonstrated a decline in peak oxygen uptake after ending a formal rehabilitation program. There is a lack of knowledge on how long-term exercise adherence can be achieved in CAD patients. We therefore assessed if a 12-month maintenance program following cardiac rehabilitation would lead to increased adherence to exercise and increased exercise capacity compared to usual care.

Materials and Methods

Two-centre, open, parallel randomized controlled trial with 12 months follow-up comparing usual care to a maintenance program. The maintenance program consisted of one monthly supervised high intensity interval training session, a written exercise program and exercise diary, and a maximum exercise test every third month during follow-up. Forty-nine patients (15 women) on optimal medical treatment were included following discharge from cardiac rehabilitation. The primary endpoint was change in peak oxygen uptake at follow-up; secondary endpoints were physical activity level, quality of life and blood markers of cardiovascular risk.

Results

There was no change in peak oxygen uptake from baseline to follow-up in either group (intervention group 27.9 (±4.7) to 28.8 (±5.6) mL·kg (-1) min (−1), control group 32.0 (±6.2) to 32.8 (±5.8) mL·kg (−1) min (−1), with no between-group difference, p = 0.22). Quality of life and blood biomarkers remained essentially unchanged, and both self-reported and measured physical activity levels were similar between groups after 12 months.

Conclusions

A maintenance exercise program for 12 months did not improve adherence to exercise or peak oxygen uptake in CAD patients after discharge from cardiac rehabilitation compared to usual care. This suggests that infrequent supervised high intensity interval training sessions are inadequate to improve peak oxygen uptake in this patient group.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01246570","term_id":"NCT01246570"}}NCT01246570     

运动康复锻炼对冠心病经皮冠状动脉介入术后患者心肺功能及生活质量的影响

目的:探讨运动康复锻炼对冠心病经皮冠状动脉介入术(PCI)后患者心肺功能及生活质量的影响。方法:选取2016年10月-2018年4月期间我院收治的冠心病稳定性心绞痛患者80例,根据随机数字表法将患者分为对照组(n=40)和运动康复组(n=40),其中对照组给予常规康复运动,运动康复组在此基础上联合运动康复训练。比较两组患者术后12周的心肺功能指标,比较两组患者术前、术后2周、术后12周的6 min步行距离,比较两组患者术前、术后12周生活质量评分。结果:运动康复组患者术后12周峰值摄氧量、峰值通气量、峰值功率、每搏输出量、代谢当量以及摄氧效率斜率均高于对照组患者(P0.05)。两组患者术后2周、术后12周6 min步行距离均较术前增加,且运动康复组高于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者术后12周生理机能、生理职能、躯体疼痛、精神健康评分均较术前升高,且运动康复组高于对照组(P0.05);而两组患者术后12周社会功能、总体健康、精力、情感职能评分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:PCI术后患者给予运动康复锻炼,可显著提升患者生活质量,对患者心肺功能恢复具有较好的促进作用。     

Effects of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life and exercise tolerance in women: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are a lack of investigations that have examined the effect of participating in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life and physiological measures in women of different ages. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of participating in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life, exercise tolerance, blood pressure and lipids in women between 33 and 82 years of age. METHODS: The 126 women participated in a 14-week cardiac rehabilitation program that consisted of 7 weeks of formal supervised exercise training and 7 weeks of unsupervised exercise and lifestyle modification. Physiologic and quality of life outcome measures obtained at the outset and after 14 weeks included: 1) exercise treadmill time; 2) resting and peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure; 3) total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and Triglycerides; 4) Cardiac Quality of Life Index questionnaire. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in the following quality of life measures after participating in the cardiac rehabilitation program: physical well being, psychosocial, worry, nutrition and symptoms. No significant differences were seen for any QOL variable between the different age groups. Significant improvements were seen in exercise tolerance (+21%) and high density lipoprotein (+5%). CONCLUSION: Cardiac rehabilitation may play an important role in improving quality of life, exercise tolerance and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in younger and older women with underlying cardiovascular disease.     

Mining Social Entrepreneurship Strategies Using Topic Modeling

Despite the burgeoning research on social entrepreneurship (SE), SE strategies remain poorly understood. Drawing on extant research on the social activism and social change, empowerment and SE models, we explore, classify and validate the strategies used by 2,334 social entrepreneurs affiliated with the world’s largest SE support organization, Ashoka. The results of the topic modeling of the social entrepreneurs’ strategy profiles reveal that they employed a total of 39 change-making strategies that vary across resources (material versus symbolic strategies), specificity (general versus specific strategies), and mode of participation (mass versus elite participation strategies); they also vary across fields of practice and time. Finally, we identify six meta-SE strategies―a reduction from the 39 strategies―and identify four new meta-SE strategies (i.e., system reform, physical capital development, evidence-based practices, and prototyping) that have been overlooked in prior SE research. Our findings extend and deepen the research into SE strategies and offer a comprehensive model of SE strategies that advances theory, practice and policy making.     

Muscle Damage following Maximal Eccentric Knee Extensions in Males and Females

Aim

To investigate whether there is a sex difference in exercise induced muscle damage.

Materials and Method

Vastus Lateralis and patella tendon properties were measured in males and females using ultrasonography. During maximal voluntary eccentric knee extensions (12 reps x 6 sets), Vastus Lateralis fascicle lengthening and maximal voluntary eccentric knee extensions torque were recorded every 10° of knee joint angle (20–90°). Isometric torque, Creatine Kinase and muscle soreness were measured pre, post, 48, 96 and 168 hours post damage as markers of exercise induced muscle damage.

Results

Patella tendon stiffness and Vastus Lateralis fascicle lengthening were significantly higher in males compared to females (p<0.05). There was no sex difference in isometric torque loss and muscle soreness post exercise induced muscle damage (p>0.05). Creatine Kinase levels post exercise induced muscle damage were higher in males compared to females (p<0.05), and remained higher when maximal voluntary eccentric knee extension torque, relative to estimated quadriceps anatomical cross sectional area, was taken as a covariate (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Based on isometric torque loss, there is no sex difference in exercise induced muscle damage. The higher Creatine Kinase in males could not be explained by differences in maximal voluntary eccentric knee extension torque, Vastus Lateralis fascicle lengthening and patella tendon stiffness. Further research is required to understand the significant sex differences in Creatine Kinase levels following exercise induced muscle damage.     

Ⅱ期心脏康复方案对心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肺功能、运动耐力及生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：观察Ⅱ期心脏康复方案对心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肺功能、运动耐力及生活质量的影响。方法：选择自2018年3月到2021年3月期间我院接收的120例心脏瓣膜置换术患者,根据随机数字表法将患者分为对照组（60例,围术期常规康复干预）和观察组（60例,在对照组基础上给予Ⅱ期心脏康复方案）。观察两组运动耐力、心肺功能及生活质量,记录两组随访期间心血管不良事件发生率。结果：干预2个月后,两组峰值摄氧量（VO₂peak）、无氧阈时摄氧量（VO₂at）、无氧阈时代谢当量（METat）、氧脉搏（O₂pulse）均升高,且观察组高于对照组（P<0.05）。干预2个月后,两组Fugl-Meyer运动量表（FMA）评分升高、6 min步行试验距离（6MWT）增加,且观察组高于对照组（P<0.05）。干预2个月后,两组总体健康（GH）、生命活力（VT）、躯体疼痛（BP）、社会功能（SF）、心理健康（MH）、生理职能（RP）、生理功能（PF）、情感职能（RE）评分均升高,且观察组较对照组高（P<0.05）。与对照组比较,观察组心血管不良事件发生率降低（P<0.05）。结论：Ⅱ期心脏康复方案应用于心脏瓣膜置换术患者,可改善心肺功能,提高运动耐力及生活质量,降低心血管不良事件发生率。     

Impacto del ejercicio físico en variables relacionadas con el bienestar emocional y funcional en adultos mayores

Background and aimThe benefits of the physical exercise in aging, and specially in frailty, have been associated with reduced risk of mortality, chronic disease, and cognitive and functional impairments. Multi-component training, which combines strength, endurance, balance, and gait training, represents the most beneficial kind of physical exercise in older adults.MethodsGiven the effectiveness of the multi-component training, a physical exercise program «Actívate» (based on the methodology Vivifrail), with the focus on «active aging», was conducted in the present study. Forty-nine older adults over 60 years participated in this program.ResultsThe physical exercise intervention led to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure, pain threshold and sleep disturbances (e. g. hypersomnia) (t ≥ 2.72, p < 0.01), as well as an increase of walking speed (t = 7.84, p ≤ 0.001). Further, quality of life factors (GENCAT scale), like emotional well-being, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, and social inclusion, were greater after intervention (t ≥ ?2.06, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings underline the benefits of multi-component training in functionality of older adults, and further, provide relevant aspects about the modulation of pain perception, sleep disturbances, social factors and physical and emotional well-being. Physical exercise programs such as «Actívate» should be promoted, in order to encourage healthy lifestyle habits, in the older adults’ population.     

In vitro effects of exercise on the heart

Pathologic and physiologic factors acting on the heart can produce consistent pressure changes, volume overload, or increased cardiac output. These changes may then lead to cardiac remodeling, ultimately resulting in cardiac hypertrophy. Exercise can also induce hypertrophy, primarily physiologic in nature. To determine the mechanisms responsible for each type of remodeling, it is important to examine the heart at the functional unit, the cardiomyocyte. Tests of individual cardiomyocyte function in vitro provide a deeper understanding of the changes occurring within the heart during hypertrophy. Examination of cardiomyocyte function during exercise primarily follows one of two pathways: the addition of hypertrophic inducing agents in vitro to normal cardiomyocytes, or the use of trained animal models and isolating cells following the development of hypertrophy in vivo. Due to the short lifespan of adult cardiomyocytes, a proportionately scant amount of research exists involving the direct stimulation of cells in vitro to induce hypertrophy. These attempts provide the only current evidence, as it is difficult to gather extensive data demonstrating cell growth as a result of in vitro physical stimulation. Researchers have created ways to combine skeletal myocytes with cardiomyocytes to produce functional muscle cells used to repair pathologic heart tissue, but continue to struggle with the short lifespan of these cells. While there have been promising findings regarding the mechanisms that surround cardiac hypertrophy in vitro, the translation of in vitro findings to in vivo function is not consistent. Therefore, the focus of this review is to highlight recent studies that have investigated the effect of exercise on the heart, both in vitro and in vivo.     

A Four-Way Comparison of Cardiac Function with Normobaric Normoxia,Normobaric Hypoxia,Hypobaric Hypoxia and Genuine High Altitude

BackgroundThere has been considerable debate as to whether different modalities of simulated hypoxia induce similar cardiac responses.ResultsAll 14 subjects completed the experiment at GHA, 11 at NN, 12 under NH, and 6 under HH. The four groups were similar in age, sex and baseline demographics. At baseline rest right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (RVSP, p = 0.0002), pulmonary vascular resistance (p = 0.0002) and acute mountain sickness (AMS) scores were higher and the SpO₂ lower (p<0.0001) among all three hypoxic groups (GHA, NH and HH) compared with NN. At both 15 minutes and 120 minutes post exercise, AMS scores, Cardiac output, septal S’, lateral S’, tricuspid S’ and A’ velocities and RVSP were higher and SpO₂ lower with all forms of hypoxia compared with NN. On post-test analysis, among the three hypoxia groups, SpO₂ was lower at baseline and 15 minutes post exercise with GHA (89.3±3.4% and 89.3±2.2%) and HH (89.0±3.1 and (89.8±5.0) compared with NH (92.9±1.7 and 93.6±2.5%). The RV Myocardial Performance (Tei) Index and RVSP were significantly higher with HH than NH at 15 and 120 minutes post exercise respectively and tricuspid A’ was higher with GHA compared with NH at 15 minutes post exercise.ConclusionsGHA, NH and HH produce similar cardiac adaptations over short duration rest despite lower SpO₂ levels with GHA and HH compared with NH. Notable differences emerge following exercise in SpO_2, RVSP and RV cardiac function.     

Multidisciplinary transmural rehabilitation for older persons with a stroke: the design of a randomised controlled trial

Background

Stroke is one of the major causes of loss of independence, decreased quality of life and mortality among elderly people. About half of the elderly stroke patients discharged after rehabilitation in a nursing home still experience serious impairments in daily functioning one year post stroke, which can lead to difficulties in picking up and managing their social life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a new multidisciplinary transmural rehabilitation programme for older stroke patients.

Methods

A two group multicentre randomised controlled trial is used to evaluate the effects of the rehabilitation programme. The programme consists of three care modules: 1) neurorehabilitation treatment for elderly stroke patients; 2) empowerment training for patient and informal caregiver; and 3) stroke education for patient and informal caregiver. The total programme has a duration of between two and six months, depending on the individual problems of the patient and informal caregiver. The control group receives usual care in the nursing home and after discharge.Patients aged 65 years and over are eligible for study participation when they are admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit in a nursing home due to a recent stroke and are expected to be able to return to their original home environment after discharge. Data are gathered by face-to-face interviews, self-administered questionnaires, focus groups and registration forms. Primary outcomes for patients are activity level after stroke, functional dependence, perceived quality of life and social participation. Outcomes for informal caregivers are perceived care burden, objective care burden, quality of life and perceived health. Outcome measures of the process evaluation are implementation fidelity, programme deliverance and the opinion of the stroke professionals, patients and informal caregivers about the programme. Outcome measures of the economic evaluation are the healthcare utilisation and associated costs. Data are collected at baseline, and after six and 12 months. The first results of the study will be expected in 2014.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Register Number ISRCTN62286281, The Dutch Trial Register NTR2412

     

IL-22 ameliorated cardiomyocyte apoptosis in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury by blocking mitochondrial membrane potential decrease,inhibiting ROS and cytochrome C

Irreversible cardiomyocyte death is one of the main reasons of heart failure following cardiac injury. Therefore, controlling cardiomyocyte death is an effective method to delay the progression of cardiac disease after injury. IL-22 plays critical roles in tissue homeostasis and repair, and has become an important bridge between the immune system and specific tissues or organs. However, whether IL-22 can prevent of cardiomyocyte apoptosis from cardiac injury remains unclear. Therefore, the present work would address the above question. Our results showed that, in vitro, IL-22 prevented cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by Angiotensin II via enhancing the activity of SOD, blocking the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibiting ROS production and release of cytochrome C. The similar results were also found in vivo and patients. Our results shed a light on the therapy of cardiac injury.     

坐式八段锦联合运动康复治疗对急性冠脉综合征PCI术后患者运动耐力、血清心肌损伤标志物和生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：探讨坐式八段锦联合运动康复治疗对急性冠脉综合征（ACS）经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术（PCI）后患者运动耐力、血清心肌损伤标志物和生活质量的影响。方法：根据随机数字表法,将我院2020年4月~2021年5月期间收治的ACS行PCI术的患者（n=120）分为对照组（运动康复治疗,n=60）和研究组（坐式八段锦联合运动康复治疗,n=60）。对比两组心功能指标[左心室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、左心室射血分数（LVEF）、氨基末端B型脑利钠肽前体（NT-proBNP）、左心室舒张末期容积（LVEDV）]、心肌损伤标志物[肌酸激酶同工酶（CK-MB）、心肌肌钙蛋白I（cTnI）]、运动耐力指标[无氧阈（AT）、最大摄氧量（VO_2max ）、运动持续时间（ED）]和生活质量[西雅图心绞痛量表（SAQ）评分：躯体活动受限程度（PL）、心绞痛稳定情况（AS）、疾病认知程度（DS）、心绞痛发作状况（AF）和治疗满意程度（TS）],并纪录两组不良心血管事件发生情况。结果：研究组的心血管不良事件发生率低于对照组（P<0.05）。研究组治疗3个月后LVEF高于对照组,LVEDD、LVEDV、NT-proBNP低于对照组（P<0.05）。研究组治疗3个月后CK-MB、cTnI低于对照组（P<0.05）。研究组治疗3个月后AT、VO_2max 、ED高于对照组（P<0.05）。研究组治疗3个月后PL、AS、DS、AF、TS评分高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：坐式八段锦联合运动康复治疗可促进ACS患者PCI术后心功能改善,减轻心肌损伤,进而提高运动耐力和生活质量。     

Validating the use of a commercial enzyme immunoassay to measure oxytocin in unextracted urine and saliva of the western lowland gorilla (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gorilla gorilla gorilla</Emphasis>)

The neuroendocrine hormone oxytocin, which is an important physiological driver of social behavior and bonding, is increasingly being measured in conjunction with behavior to better understand primate sociality. To date no data are available on oxytocin concentrations within the genus Gorilla; however, as a result of their close genetic relatedness to humans, and tolerance-based social system, Gorilla represents an important group of study. The purpose of this study was to validate the measurement of urinary and salivary oxytocin in western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) to help facilitate future study of the interaction between oxytocin and behavior within the subspecies. The primary validation procedure was an intranasal challenge. Elevated oxytocin concentrations were observed in saliva samples taken 15–120 min post challenge. Urine levels remained within baseline range approximately 30 and 90 min following the challenge; however, elevated levels were observed 24 h post challenge. No diurnal variation was found in salivary samples taken at regular intervals throughout the day; however, morning urine samples had higher concentrations than afternoon samples. In addition, samples were collected opportunistically following three social events: play, breeding, and the death of a conspecific. Following the play bouts, salivary oxytocin was almost three times greater than baseline. Salivary oxytocin was also significantly higher 15 min post breeding compared to match-control samples. Following the death of a conspecific, the group mate’s urinary oxytocin concentrations decreased by half compared to a baseline period when the group was intact. This study provides a biological validation of the measurement of urinary and salivary oxytocin in western lowland gorillas. These results suggest that urinary oxytocin measurements are suitable for establishing baseline levels, as they represent the build up of the previous day’s concentrations, and salivary oxytocin measurements are suitable for assessing changes following specific events.     

Development and feasibility of a smartphone, ECG and GPS based system for remotely monitoring exercise in cardiac rehabilitation

Background

Despite its efficacy and cost-effectiveness, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is undertaken by less than one-third of clinically eligible cardiac patients in every country for which data is available. Reasons for non-participation include the unavailability of hospital-based rehabilitation programs, or excessive travel time and distance. For this reason, there have been calls for the development of more flexible alternatives.

Methodology and Principal Findings

We developed a system to enable walking-based cardiac rehabilitation in which the patient''s single-lead ECG, heart rate, GPS-based speed and location are transmitted by a programmed smartphone to a secure server for real-time monitoring by a qualified exercise scientist. The feasibility of this approach was evaluated in 134 remotely-monitored exercise assessment and exercise sessions in cardiac patients unable to undertake hospital-based rehabilitation. Completion rates, rates of technical problems, detection of ECG changes, pre- and post-intervention six minute walk test (6 MWT), cardiac depression and Quality of Life (QOL) were key measures. The system was rated as easy and quick to use. It allowed participants to complete six weeks of exercise-based rehabilitation near their homes, worksites, or when travelling. The majority of sessions were completed without any technical problems, although periodic signal loss in areas of poor coverage was an occasional limitation. Several exercise and post-exercise ECG changes were detected. Participants showed improvements comparable to those reported for hospital-based programs, walking significantly further on the post-intervention 6 MWT, 637 m (95% CI: 565–726), than on the pre-test, 524 m (95% CI: 420–655), and reporting significantly reduced levels of cardiac depression and significantly improved physical health-related QOL.

Conclusions and Significance

The system provided a feasible and very flexible alternative form of supervised cardiac rehabilitation for those unable to access hospital-based programs, with the potential to address a well-recognised deficiency in health care provision in many countries. Future research should assess its longer-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness and safety in larger samples representing the spectrum of cardiac morbidity and severity.     

Home-based versus hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction or revascularisation: design and rationale of the Birmingham Rehabilitation Uptake Maximisation Study (BRUM): a randomised controlled trial [ISRCTN72884263]

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction reduces subsequent mortality, but uptake and adherence to rehabilitation programmes remains poor, particularly among women, the elderly and ethnic minority groups. Evidence of the effectiveness of home-based cardiac rehabilitation remains limited. This trial evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of home-based compared to hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Methods/design

A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of home-based compared with hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation in four hospitals serving a multi-ethnic inner city population in the United Kingdom was designed. The home programme is nurse-facilitated, manual-based using the Heart Manual. The hospital programmes offer comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in an out-patient setting.

Patients

We will randomise 650 adult, English or Punjabi-speaking patients of low-medium risk following myocardial infarction, coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft who have been referred for cardiac rehabilitation.

Main outcome measures

Serum cholesterol, smoking cessation, blood pressure, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, distance walked on Shuttle walk-test measured at 6, 12 and 24 months. Adherence to the programmes will be estimated using patient self-reports of activity. In-depth interviews with non-attendees and non-adherers will ascertain patient views and the acceptability of the programmes and provide insights about non-attendance and aims to generate a theory of attendance at cardiac rehabilitation. The economic analysis will measure National Health Service costs using resource inputs. Patient costs will be established from the qualitative research, in particular how they affect adherence.

Discussion

More data are needed on the role of home-based versus hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients following myocardial infarction and revascularisation, which would be provided by the Birmingham Rehabilitation Uptake Maximisation Study (BRUM) study and has implications for the clinical management of these patients. A novel feature of this study is the inclusion of non-English Punjabi speakers.     

Dysfunction and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Fracture Victims 50 Months after the Sichuan Earthquake

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation intervention on physical dysfunction (PDF) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in fracture victims 50 months after the Sichuan earthquake of 2008 and to identify risk factors for PTSD.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. Four hundred and fifty-nine earthquake-related fracture victims from Mianzhu city, Sichuan Province who did not qualify for disability pension participated. Two hundred and forty-five subjects received regular rehabilitation and 214 did not. Muscle strength, joint range of motion (ROM),sensory function, and sit-to-stand balance capacity were evaluated to assess PDF. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) was administered to screen for PTSD. An ordinary least square regression was used to predict PTSD, and a logistic regression was used to predict PDF. In addition a Least Angle Regression (LARS) was carried out for PTSD to study the effects of rehabilitation and PDF at the same time.

Results

Unadjusted and adjusted group differences in physical dysfunction (p<0.01) and PTSD prevalence (p<0.05) were significant in favor of the rehabilitation group. In addition, being female, average or above family income, having witnessed death and fearfulness were found risk factors for PTSD symptoms 50 months after the earthquake. Both PDF and rehabilitation were selected predictors by LARS demonstrating opposite effects.

Conclusion

PDF and PTSD were significantly reduced by the rehabilitation intervention. Future medical intervention strategies should consider rehabilitation in order to assist survivors in dealing with both physical and psychological effects of natural disaster.     

八段锦联合心脏运动康复对急性心肌梗死急诊PCI术后患者心功能、运动耐力和生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：观察八段锦联合心脏运动康复对急性心肌梗死（AMI）急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PCI）后患者心功能、运动耐力和生活质量的影响。方法：选择2019年6月~2021年6月期间我院收治的AMI急诊PCI术后患者100例,根据随机数字表法分为对照组（心脏运动康复干预,50例）和观察组（八段锦联合心脏运动康复干预,50例）,观察两组患者心功能、运动耐力及生活质量改善情况,对比两组心脏不良事件发生率。结果：干预后,两组左心室射血分数（LVEF）较干预前升高,且观察组高于对照组（P<0.05）。干预后,两组左室舒张末期内径（LVDD）、左室收缩末期内径（LVDS）、B型脑利钠肽（BNP）较干预前下降,且观察组低于对照组（P<0.05）。干预后,两组运动持续时间（ED）、峰值摄氧量（VO₂peak）及无氧阈值（AT）较干预前升高,且观察组高于对照组（P<0.05）。干预后,两组健康调查简表（SF-36）各维度评分较干预前升高,且观察组高于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组的心脏不良事件发生率低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：八段锦联合心脏运动康复用于AMI急诊PCI患者的术后干预中,可促进心功能恢复,改善患者的运动耐力及生活质量,同时还可降低心脏不良事件发生率。     

The utility of personal activity trackers (Fitbit Charge 2) on exercise capacity in patients post acute coronary syndrome [UP-STEP ACS Trial]: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Background

The benefits of physical activity and cardiovascular rehabilitation on the reduction of cardiovascular risk are well documented. Despite this, significant barriers and challenges remain in optimizing patient risk factors post acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and ensuring patient compliance. Consumer wearable personal activity trackers represent a cost effective and readily available technology that may aid in this endeavour.

Methods

UP-STEP ACS is a prospective single-blinded, two-arm, parallel, randomized control trial with an aim to enrol 200 patients all undertaking cardiac rehabilitation. It will assess the affect that personal activity monitors have on change in exercise capacity in patients post acute coronary syndromes primarily measured by a six-minute walk test (6MWT). Secondary end points will be the improvement in other cardiovascular risk factors, namely; blood lipid and glucose levels, weight, waist circumference, along with mood, quality of life and cardiac rehabilitation adherence. Patients will be randomized to either receive a personal activity tracker or standard post hospital care during their index event. After the 8- week intervention period, patients will return for a clinical review and repeat of baseline assessments including the 6MWT.

Discussion

The utility and impact on exercise capacity of personal activity trackers in patient’s post-acute coronary syndrome has not been assessed. This study aims to add to the scientific evidence emerging regarding the clinical utility and validity of these devices in different patient population groups. If proven to be of benefit, these devices represent a cost effective, easily accessible technology that could aid in the reduction of cardiovascular events.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). The registration number is ACTRN12617000312347 (28/02/2017).