[Non-randomized trial to evaluate a continuous physiotherapy program versus interval in overweight patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome].

UNLABELLED

We present a non-randomised trial to evaluate a continuous physiotherapy program versus a periodic one in overweight patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome.

AIM

To detect differences between a continuous (CONT) physiotherapy program (PF) and a periodic (INT) physiotherapy program in overweight patients with acute coronary syndrome on anthropometric parameters, analytical parameters, heart rate, adherence, drop-outs, safety and tolerance.

DESIGN

A multicentre, non-randomised two-armed quasi-experimental study with pre-post design.

LOCATION

Community cardiac prevention centres (Manises, Valencia-LaFe, Játiva-Onteniente Health Department).

PARTICIPANTS

The study included a total of 339 overweight participants with acute coronary syndrome; living in the community; aged more than 18; no contraindication for physical exercise; no previous participation in a PF.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were assigned to a CONT training or an INT training (2 months). Each session was divided in warm-up, endurance, and cool-down. Endurance was performed at 12-13 Borg intensity and with heat rate calculated, with maximum heat rate obtained in the baseline ergometry.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, resting heat rate, adherence, drop-outs, safety, and tolerance were assessed.

RESULTS

The CONT group showed significantly better differences in body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and resting heat rate. No differences were observed in adherence, drop-outs, safety, and tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

The CONT group obtained better results in all variables except for HDL cholesterol. Both programs offered a high adherence, safety, and tolerance.