The Effects of Controlled Physical Training on Peripheral Circulation Following Interventional Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND

Controlled physical training induces specific changes in the peripheral circulatory system and can lead to positive changes in the vascular perfusion of the lower extremities.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in peripheral circulation in the calf in patients with acute coronary disease (ACD) undergoing controlled physical training. Impedance plethysmography was used to monitor peripheral circulation during the training.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 90 patients were divided into three study groups. Group 1 (n = 30) participated in a two-week cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of interval training on a cycle ergometer and exercise to improve the participants' general physical condition. Group 2 (n = 30) went through the same cardiac rehabilitation program for four weeks. The control group (n = 30) was assigned breathing exercises, active free exercises of the peripheral joints and different muscle groups, and relaxation exercises. All the patients underwent impedance plethysmography tests before and after the training sessions.

RESULTS

In Group 1, the systolic slope (PSlope) increased by 2%, pulse wave amplitude (PAmpl) increased by 4.2%, crest time (CT) increased by 1.5% and propagation time (PT) decreased by 1.2% (p > 0.05). In Group 2, the PSlope and PAmpl increased by 19% and 17% respectively, while the CT and PT decreased by 8% and 6.5% respectively (p < 0.05). In the control group, only the CT decreased, by 5% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed that cardiac rehabilitation improves blood flow in lower limb vessels in patients with ACD. The results depend on the duration and the type of physical training. Impedance plethysmography allows for precise and repeatable monitoring of local blood flow.