Cardiac Rehabilitation in TAVI Patients: Safety and Benefits: A Narrative Review

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has redefined the management of severe aortic stenosis, particularly in surgical high-risk patients. As the number of TAVI procedures increases, there is a growing need for effective post-procedural care. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has emerged as a critical component of treatment in these patients. The most recent update of the European recommendations highlights the importance of including post-TAVI patients in CR programs. However, the benefits of CR in this particular patient group still need to be fully understood. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the safety and benefits of post-TAVI CR by evaluating its impact on functional capacity, frailty, muscular strength, mental health, quality of life, and long-term survival. While emerging evidence supports its safety and effectiveness in the aforementioned outcomes, gaps remain regarding the optimal rehabilitation protocols, including the timing, duration, and intensity of CR as well as its long-term cardiovascular benefits. Further research is needed to develop personalized approaches for different patient groups. This article highlights the current knowledge, identifies critical gaps, and underlines the need for tailored rehabilitation strategies to improve post-TAVI recovery and patient outcomes.

Impact of in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation on hospital-associated disability after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Hospital-associated disability (HAD), a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during hospitalization, is a modifiable target in integrated care for older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on the development of HAD in older patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

Older patients undergoing TAVI were extracted from the Japanese nationwide database (JROAD-DPC) from April 2014 to March 2021 and were divided into patients receiving inpatient CR (CR group) and a non-CR group. HAD was defined as a decrease in the Barthel Index (BI) score ≥5 points at discharge compared with the score at admission.

RESULTS

Of 19,789 eligible patients, 17,066 (86%) underwent inpatient CR. The overall prevalence of HAD was 9.6%, with a lower incidence in the CR group than in the non-CR group (8.8% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001). Random forest analysis revealed key features associated with HAD risk including BI score at admission, inpatient CR participation, age, body mass index (BMI), and chronic kidney disease. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participation in inpatient CR was associated with a lower odds ratio (OR) of HAD (OR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.70), with similar results in inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted logistic regression analyses (OR, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.88). Analyses in subgroups of interest showed heterogeneity in the effects of inpatient CR with possible loss in patients with a BMI of <18.5 kg/m2 or a BI score of less than 60 points at admission.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest a beneficial effect of inpatient CR participation on the prevention of HAD in older patients undergoing TAVI, but the effect may be limited in lean patients with disability for ADL before TAVI.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment, and related interventions, to improve outcomes for older patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a treatment for people with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, particularly those living with frailty. Increasing frailty is associated with poorer outcomes post-TAVI. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) has been shown in other settings to improve outcomes in those with frailty, including perioperatively. This systematic review aims to determine whether CGA, or interventions targeting its components, improves outcomes for older people undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched on 09/01/23 and then the search was rerun on the 16/04/24. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022299955). Included studies had to evaluate either CGA, or a single- or multi-domain intervention targeting components of CGA, in those aged ≥ 65.

RESULTS

From 4091 papers, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Two studies assessed CGA pre-TAVI and reported mixed improvements in functional independence but no change in length of stay or post-operative delirium, although both studies had a serious risk of bias. Fifteen papers described an exercise-based intervention, and 1 paper detailed a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-based intervention. Seven studies evaluated a multi-component intervention. There were conflicting results reported for the multi-component and single-component interventions. All studies had at least a moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSION(S)

There is a lack of evidence to determine whether CGA, or related interventions, improve outcomes for older adults undergoing-TAVI. The evidence for perioperative CGA, and the results of this review, support the need for well-designed trials evaluating whether CGA improves outcomes post-TAVI for older adults living with frailty.

Cardiac rehabilitation and frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Frailty among cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants is associated with worse health outcomes. However, no literature synthesis has quantified the relationship between frailty and CR outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine frailty prevalence at CR admission, frailty changes during CR, and whether frailty is associated with adverse outcomes following CR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for studies published from 2000 to 2023. Eligible studies included a validated frailty measure, published in English. Two reviewers independently screened articles and abstracted data. Outcome measures included admission frailty prevalence, frailty and physical function changes, and post-CR hospitalization and mortality. Observational and randomized trials were meta-analysed separately using inverse variance random-effects models. In total, 34 peer reviewed articles (26 observational, 8 randomized trials; 19 360 participants) were included. Admission frailty prevalence was 46% [95% CI 29-62%] and 40% [95% CI 28-52%] as measured by Frailty Index and Kihon Checklist (14 studies) and Frailty Phenotype (11 studies), respectively. Frailty improved following CR participation (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.68, 95% CI 0.37-0.99; P < 0.0001; six studies). Meta-analysis of observational studies revealed higher admission frailty and increased participants' risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 9.24, 95% CI 2.93-29.16; P = 0.0001; four studies). Frailer participants at admission had worse physical health outcomes, but improved over the course of CR.

CONCLUSION

High variability in frailty tools and CR designs was observed, and randomized controlled trial contributions were limited. The prevalence of frailty is high in CR and is associated with greater mortality risk; however, CR improves frailty and physical health outcomes.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42022311765.

The perspectives of older adults related to transcatheter aortic valve replacement: An integrative review

BACKGROUND

Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a common syndrome in older adults wherein the narrowing of the aortic valve impedes blood flow, resulting in advanced heart failure.1 AS is associated with a high mortality rate (50 % at 6 months if left untreated), substantial symptom burden, and reduced quality of life.1-3 Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was approved in 2012 as a less invasive alternative to surgical valve repair, offering a treatment for older frail patients. Although objective outcomes have been widely reported,4 the perspectives of older adults undergoing the TAVR process have never been synthesized.

OBJECTIVES

To contextualize the perspectives and experiences of older adults undergoing TAVR.

METHODS

An integrative review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage methodology.5 Four electronic databases were searched in April 2023. Articles were included if a qualitative methodology was used to assess the perceptions of older adults (>65 years old) undergoing or recovering from TAVR.

RESULTS

Out of 4619 articles screened, 12 articles met the criteria, representing 353 individuals from 10 countries. Relevant themes included the need for an individualized care plan, caregiver and family support, communication and education, persistent psychosocial and physical symptoms, and the unique recovery journey.

CONCLUSION

Older adults with AS undergoing TAVR generally perceive their procedure positively. Improved interdisciplinary and holistic management, open communication, symptom assessment, support, and education is needed.

Quality of life and functional capacity in patients after cardiac surgery intensive care unit

Coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis are prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide, leading to morbidity and mortality. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) have therapeutic benefits, including improved postoperative quality of life (QoL) and enhanced patient functional capacity which are key indicators of cardiac surgery outcome. In this article, we review the latest studies of QoL outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Many standardized instruments are used to evaluate QoL and functional conditions. Preoperative health status, age, length of intensive care unit stay, operative risk, type of procedure, and other pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors affect postoperative QoL. Elderly patients experience impaired physical status soon after cardiac surgery, but it improves in the following period. CABG and SAVR are associated with increases of physical and mental health and functional capacity in the immediate postoperative and the long long-term. Cardiac rehabilitation improves patient functional capacity, QoL, and frailty following cardiac surgery.

Frailty and transcatheter valve intervention: A narrative review

Frailty is a common clinical syndrome that portends poor peri-procedural outcomes and increased mortality following transcatheter valve interventions. We reviewed frailty assessment tools in transcatheter intervention cohorts to recommend a pathway for preprocedural frailty assessment in patients referred for transcatheter valve procedures, and evaluated current evidence for frailty interventions and their efficacy in transcatheter intervention. We recommend the use of a frailty screening instrument to identify patients as frail, with subsequent referral for comprehensive geriatric assessment in these patients, to assist in selecting appropriate patients and then optimizing them for transcatheter valve interventions. Interventions to reduce preprocedural frailty are not well defined, however, data from limited cohort studies support exercise-based interventions to increase functional capacity and reduce frailty in parallel with preprocedural medical optimization.

Efficacy of exercise training-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The beneficial effects of exercise training-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in different cardiac conditions have been previously studied. In this meta-analysis, we focused on the potential impact of CR on patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Multiple databases were searched in a systematic approach to find the eligible studies. All the studies investigating the potential impact of exercise training-based CR programmes on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing TAVI were retrieved. The primary endpoint of interest was 6-min walk test (6MWT). The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were measured to compare the improvement or worsening the endpoints using a random- or fixed-effects model, as appropriate.

Results

A total of eleven studies (685 patients) were considered eligible for quantitative synthesis. The results showed that performing exercise training-based CR after TAVI is associated with significant improvement in 6MWT (SMD 0.59, 95 % CI (0.48; 0.71), p < 0.01), Barthel index (SMD 0.73, 95 % CI (0.57; 0.89), p < 0.01), 12-item Short Form (SF-12) physical (SMD 0.30, 95 % CI (0.08; 0.52), p < 0.01) and mental (SMD 0.27, 95 % CI (0.05; 0.49), p = 0.02) survey scores, and hospital anxiety and depression scale - depression (HADS-D) score (SMD -0.26, 95 % CI (-0.42; -0.10), p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Performing exercise training-based CR following TAVI has significant benefits regarding physical capacity and health-related quality of life irrespective of the programme duration.

Prognostic Impact of Prefrailty and Frailty in Women Undergoing TAVR: Insights From the WIN-TAVI Registry

BACKGROUND

The risks of prefrail and frail women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have not been fully examined. The aim of the analysis was to assess the prognostic impact of prefrailty and frailty in women undergoing TAVR.

METHODS

Women at intermediate or high surgical risk with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR from the prospective multicentre WIN-TAVI (Women's International Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) registry were stratified based on the number of Fried frailty criteria (weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow gait, weakness) met: nonfrail (no criteria), prefrail (1 or 2 criteria), or frail (3 or more criteria). The primary outcome at 1 year was the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC-2) efficacy end point, a composite of mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, hospitalisation for valve-related symptoms or heart failure, and valve-related dysfunction; secondary outcomes included the composite of VARC-2 life-threatening or major bleeding.

RESULTS

Out of 1019 women, 297 (29.1%) met at least 1 frailty criterion: 264 (25.9%) had prefrailty and 33 (3.2%) frailty. The 1-year risk of the primary outcome was significantly higher in prefrail and frail (20.2%) than in nonfrail (14.9%) women (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.12). The risk of VARC-2 life-threatening or major bleeding was higher in prefrail or frail (19.9%) than in nonfrail (10.0%) women (aHR 2.06, 95% CI 1.42-2.97). These risks were consistently increased in the prefrail and frail groups assessed separately.

CONCLUSIONS

In women undergoing TAVR, the presence of prefrailty or frailty conferred an increased risk of the VARC-2 efficacy end point and of VARC-2 life-threatening or major bleeding.

Development of an Algorithm to Screen for Frailty Using the Clinical Frailty Scale with Postoperative Patients Entering Cardiac Rehabilitation

Purpose

Frailty is not commonly assessed on intake to cardiac rehabilitation (CR), but screening could enable targeted interventions and potentially reduce secondary complications. This study aimed to develop and retrospectively examine the feasibility of utilizing a CR-specific algorithm based on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Our CFS-CR algorithm endeavoured to screen for frailty in older adults (> 65 y) entering CR following cardiac surgery/procedure.

Method

The charts of 30 former patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 6.9 y) were examined by a clinician working in CR.

Results

The clinician was unable to score any of the patients based on their medical charts using the CFS-CR due to insufficient data. Documentation was typically limited in the areas of instrumental and basic activities of daily living whereas exercise data were readily available.

Conclusions

Current intake documentation in CR limited the ability to retrospectively screen for frailty. This finding suggests a need for a frailty-specific tool to support routine clinical screening. Prospective evaluation of the CFS-CR is warranted to further examine the clinical utility of the algorithm during CR intake assessments.

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on pre- and post-operative transcatheter aortic valve replacement prognoses

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a relatively new treatment method for aortic stenosis (AS) and has been demonstrated to be suitable for patients with varying risk levels. Indeed, among high-risk patients, TAVR outcomes are comparable to, or even better, than that of the traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) method. TAVR outcomes, with respect to post-surgical functional capacity and quality of life, have also been found to be improved, especially when combined with cardiac rehabilitation (CR). CR is a multidisciplinary system, which integrates cardiology with other medical disciplines, such as sports, nutritional, mind-body, and behavioral medicine. It entails the development of appropriate medication, exercise, and diet prescriptions, along with providing psychological support, ensuring the cessation of smoking, and developing risk factor management strategies for cardiovascular disease patients. However, even with CR being able to improve TAVR outcomes and reduce post-surgical mortality rates, it still has largely been underutilized in clinical settings. This article reviews the usage of CR during both pre-and postoperative periods for valvular diseases, and the factors involved in influencing subsequent patient prognoses, thereby providing a direction for subsequent research and clinical applications.

Barriers and Facilitators to Delivering Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the literature on barriers and facilitators that influence the provision and uptake of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (ICR).

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and AgeLine. Studies were included if they were published in English after the year 2000 and focused on adults who were receiving some form of ICR (eg, exercise counselling and training, education for heart-healthy living). For studies meeting inclusion criteria, descriptive data on authors, year, study design, and intervention type were extracted.

Results

The literature search resulted in a total of 44,331 publications, of which 229 studies met inclusion criteria. ICR programs vary drastically and often focus on promoting physical exercises and patient education. Barriers and facilitators were categorized through patient, provider and system level factors. Individual characteristics and provider knowledge and efficacy were categorized as both barriers and facilitators to ICR delivery and uptake. Team functioning, lack of resources, program coordination, and inconsistencies in evaluation acted as key barriers to ICR delivery and uptake. Key facilitators that influence ICR implementation and engagement include accreditation and professional associations and patient and family-centred practices.

Conclusion

ICR programs can be highly effective at improving health outcomes for those living with CVDs. Our review identified several patient, provider, and system-level considerations that act as barriers and facilitators to ICR delivery and uptake. Future research should explore how to encourage health promotion knowledge amongst ICR staff and patients.

The Effects of Exercise Training on Exercise Capacity and Vascular Function after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation-A Pilot Study

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) improves event-free survival in patients with severe aortic stenosis, but patients' exercise capacity remains poor after the procedure. Therefore, we sought to compare the effects of a supervised center-based exercise training program and unsupervised exercise routine on exercise capacity and vascular function in patients after TAVI. Patients were randomized to either center-based exercise training (12-24 sessions of combined aerobic and low-weight resistance training twice weekly for 8-12 weeks) or an unsupervised home-based exercise routine (initial appraisal with detailed recommendations and monthly follow-up). Exercise capacity (cardiopulmonary testing) and vascular function (ultrasonographic measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and arterial stiffness) were assessed at the baseline and after the study period. We included 23 patients (mean age of 81 years, 61% women), with higher-than-expected drop-out rates (41%) because of the coronavirus-19 pandemic outbreak. Exercise capacity improved over time, irrespective of the intervention group: 0.09 mL/min/kg increase in peak oxygen uptake (95% CI [0.01-0.16]; p = 0.02), 8.2 Watts increase in workload (95% CI [0.6-15.8]; p = 0.034), and 47 s increase in cumulative exercise time (95% CI [5.0-89.6]; p = 0.029). A between-group difference in change over time (treatment effect) was detected only for FMD (4.49%; 95% CI [2.35; 6.63], p < 0.001), but not for other outcome variables. Both supervised and unsupervised exercise training improve exercise capacity and vascular function in patients after TAVI, with supervised exercise training possibly yielding larger improvements in vascular function, as determined by FMD.

Cardiac Rehabilitation After TAVI -A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Despite the increasing popularity of Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with high surgical risk, there is no current guideline for the management of patients following the intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize and analyse all clinical data and evidence regarding the effectiveness and outcomes of CR following TAVI. The first meta-analysis measured the walked distance in the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the second meta-analysis included studies that showed the Barthel Index (BI) before and after CR. The mean distance walked prior to CR was 235.88 ± 69.36 m increased to 292.12 ± 54.92 m after rehabilitation, signifying a moderate clinically relevant effect size (0.593 (0.42, 0.76); P=0.00). The mean BI score before CR was 76.6 ± 11.5 which increased to 89.8 ± 5.5 after the programme and similarly demonstrated a significant standardized mean improvement (0.75 (0.57, 0.93); I= 0.00). Exercise-based CR in patients with aortic stenosis treated with TAVI demonstrated a significant improvement in exercise tolerance and functional independence shown by the 6MWT and BI.

Functional continuum: independent predictor of one-year mortality and key decision-making element in older adults with severe aortic stenosis amenable to aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

The impact of functional capacity over the entire functional continuum in older adults undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) has not been studied to date. This study aims to analyze 1.- the distribution of a cohort of older adults presenting severe aortic stenosis (AS) amenable to AVR in the different categories of the Functional Continuum Scale (FCS); 2.- its association with decision-making regarding valve disease; and 3.- its impact upon the one-year mortality rate of surgical (SAVR), transcatheter (TAVR) aortic valve replacement, or the decision to provide conservative management (OMT).

METHODS

This prospective study included patients from the FRESAS (FRailty-Evaluation-in-Severe-Aortic-Stenosis) registry evaluated by the reference Heart-Team of a region in northern Spain. All the patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment.

RESULTS

The study comprised 257 patients aged 84.0 ± 3.9 years.

MANAGEMENT

SAVR: 25.3%, TAVR: 58.0% and OMT: 16.7%. Increased patient functional capacity was associated with an increased tendency to perform more invasive valve disease treatment. The overall one-year survival rate was 81.3%. One-year all-cause mortality: FCS-1 to FCS-2 "robust" 11.5%, FCS-3 to FCS-4 "prefrail" 14.7%, FCS-5 "frail" 19.2% and FCS-6 to FCS-8 "dependent" 45.0%; p < 0.001. Adjusted mortality analysis: FCS with HR = 1.206 [95%CI, 0.999-1.451 (p = 0.051)]; EuroSCORE-II with HR = 1.071 [95%CI, 1.006-1.161 (p = 0.033)]; and OMT with HR = 2.840 [95%CI, 1.409-5.772 (p = 0.004)] were retained in the final multivariable logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

In older AS patients amenable to AVR, the FCS is a useful predictive tool that may aid clinical decision-making.

Perspectives on Participation in a Feasibility Study on Exercise-Based Cardiac Telerehabilitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Qualitative Interview Study Among Patients and Health Professionals

BACKGROUND

Aortic valve stenosis affects approximately half of people aged ≥85 years, and the recommended surgical treatment for older patients is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Despite strong evidence for its advantages, low attendance rate in cardiac rehabilitation is observed among patients after TAVI. Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) has proven comparable with center-based rehabilitation; however, no study has investigated CTR targeting patients after TAVI. On the basis of participatory design, an exercise-based CTR program (TeleTAVI) was developed, which included a web-based session with a cardiac nurse, a tablet containing an informative website, an activity tracker, and supervised home-based exercise sessions that follow the national recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore patients' and health professionals' experiences with using health technologies and participating in the exercise-based CTR program, TeleTAVI.

METHODS

This study is a part of a feasibility study and will only report patients' and health professionals' experiences of being a part of TeleTAVI. A total of 11 qualitative interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide (n=7, 64% patients and n=4, 36% health professionals). Patient interviews were conducted after 8 weeks of participation in TeleTAVI, and interviews with health professionals were conducted after the end of the program. The analysis was conducted as inductive content analysis to create a condensed meaning presented as themes.

RESULTS

Reticence toward using the website was evident with reduced curiosity to explore it, and reduced benefit from using the activity tracker was observed, as the patients' technical competencies were challenged. This was also found when using the tablet for web-based training sessions, leading to patients feeling worried before the training, as they anticipated technical problems. Disadvantages of the TeleTAVI program were technical problems and inability to use hands-on guidance with the patients. However, both physiotherapists and patients reported a feeling of improvement in patients' physical fitness. The home training created a feeling of safety, supported adherence, and made individualization possible, which the patients valued. A good relationship and continuity in the contact with health professionals seemed very important for the patients and affected their positive attitude toward the program.

CONCLUSIONS

The home-based nature of the TeleTAVI program seems to provide the opportunity to support individualization, autonomy, independence, and adherence to physical training in addition to improvement in physical capability in older patients. Despite technological challenges, basing the relationship between the health professionals and patients on continuity may be beneficial for patients. Prehabilitation may also be considered, as it may create familiarity toward technology and adherence to the training.

Interventions for Frailty Among Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

With the aging of the world's population, a large proportion of patients seen in cardiovascular practice are older adults, but many patients also exhibit signs of physical frailty. Cardiovascular disease and frailty are interdependent and have the same physiological underpinning that predisposes to the progression of both disease processes. Frailty can be defined as a phenomenon of increased vulnerability to stressors due to decreased physiological reserves in older patients and thus leads to poor clinical outcomes after cardiovascular insults. There are various pathophysiologic mechanisms for the development of frailty: cognitive decline, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and lack of social supports; these risk factors provide opportunity for various types of interventions that aim to prevent, improve, or reverse the development of frailty syndrome in the context of cardiovascular disease. There is no compelling study demonstrating a successful intervention to improve a global measure of frailty. Emerging data from patients admitted with heart failure indicate that interventions associated with positive outcomes on frailty and physical function are multidimensional and include tailored cardiac rehabilitation. Contemporary cardiovascular practice should actively identify patients with physical frailty who could benefit from frailty interventions and aim to deliver these therapies in a patient-centered model to optimize quality of life, particularly after cardiovascular interventions.

Effectiveness of additional resistance and balance training and telephone support program in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life and physical activity: Randomized control trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate 20 days and 3 months follow-up effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enhanced by resistance/balance training and telephone-support program compared to usual CR care in improving quality of life, clinical course and physical activity behavior.

DESIGN

Single-centre randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Inpatient CR clinic.

SUBJECTS

116 (76.1 ± 6.7 years, 50% male) patients 14.5 ± 5.9 days after valve surgery/intervention were randomized to intervention group (IG, n = 60) or control group (CG, n = 56).

INTERVENTION

Additional resistance/balance training (3 days/week) during phase-II CR and telephone-support program during 3-month follow-up. CG patients were provided with usual CR care.

MAIN MEASURES

Short Form 36 Health Survey scales, European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version QoL index, visual analog scale, clinical course, and physical activity behavior assessed with standardized questionnaires.

RESULTS

IG reported statistically significant higher mental component score (48.5 ± 6.91 vs. 40.3 ± 11.21 at the baseline, 50.8 ± 9.76 vs. 42.6 ± 9.82 after 20 days, 49.4 ± 8.45 vs. 40.5 ± 8.9 after 12 weeks follow up), general health (48.6 ± 3.17 vs. 45.0 ± 2.95 at the baseline, 53.6 ± 3.02 vs. 43.8 ± 2.55 after 20 days, 53.2 ± 3.11 vs. 44.2 ± 3.07 after 12 weeks) and role limitations due to emotional problems (48.5 ± 15.2 vs. 27.7 ± 11.5 at the baseline, 72.7 ± 12.6 vs. 30.5 ± 11.2 after 20 days, 66.6 ± 14.2 vs. 36.1 ± 11.2 after 12 weeks) in all three assessments (p < 0.05). CG patients had more documented hospital admissions (4 (8%) vs 10 (25%), p = 0.027), atrial fibrillation paroxysms (3 (6.0%) vs. 10 (35.0%), p = 0.011) and blood pressure swings (13 (26%) vs. 20 (50%), p = 0.019). IG patients chose more different physical activities (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 1.25 ± 0.63, p = 0.002), spent more time being physical active every day (195.6 ± 78.6 vs. 157.29 ± 78.8, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of resistance/balance exercises and telephone-support program 12 weeks after to the CR could linked to higher physical activity levels and fewer clinical complications but did not lead to a significant improvement in quality of life.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Exercise Capacity in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients Referred to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program is essential for patients before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aimed to explore the values of CGA and exercise capacity in CR for patients referred to TAVI. A retrospective analysis was conducted in 90 patients referred to TAVI from January to October 2019. CR strategies started before TAVI. The association between clinical characteristics, CGA, and change in six-minute walk distance (Δ6MWD) was analyzed with multivariate regression models. Most of patients had cognitive impairment (50%), malnutrition (61%), and frailty (83%). After the CR, the proportion of cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and frail patients was significantly decreased by 21%, 40%, and 57%, respectively (p = 0.002, p <0.001, p <0.001). The 6MWD at a month after discharge (291.9 ± 98.8 m) was significantly improved than that at discharge after TAVI (218.8 ± 114.3m, p <0.001). The multivariate regression analysis indicated body mass index (BMI; Δ6MWD:12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3 to 23.8, p = 0.045), frailty (Δ6MWD: -57.9, 95% CI -81.8 to -34.1, p <0.001) and malnutrition (Δ6MWD: -25.1, 95% CI -47.0 to -3.2, p = 0.026) as the associated predictors of Δ6MWD. In conclusion, functional status in patients referred to TAVI could be improved by CGA-based CR. BMI, frailty, and malnutrition were associated with the efficacy of CR on exercise capacity. CGA can play the important role in the evaluation and making strategies for CR in patients.

The Impact of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation on Psychophysiological Stress, Personality and Tryptophan Metabolism: A Randomized Pilot Feasibility Study

Multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a secondary prevention strategy for cardiac patients to tackle stress and psychosocial wellbeing. However, there is a lack of data on its psychoneuroimmunological effects and of biomarkers to determine individual risk and to develop treatment strategies. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the feasibility of deriving psychophysiological stress markers in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Thirty individuals with cardiovascular disease (mean age 58.8 years; 23.3% female) were enrolled and randomized into three treatment groups: standard rehabilitation, yoga, or transcendental meditation (TM). Depression, anxiety, sleep, stress perception, personality functioning, hair cortisol, serum tryptophan, kynurenine and neopterin concentrations were estimated at baseline and after a four-week intervention. Hair cortisol levels decreased significantly after rehabilitation in all groups (F = 15.98, p < 0.001). In addition, personality functioning improved in all patients over time. Participants with impairments in personality functioning showed a positive correlation with baseline neopterin that did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction. Concentrations of serum tryptophan and its metabolite kynurenine did not change significantly. This pilot RCT provides preliminary evidence of multicomponent CR leading to stabilization of hair cortisol levels and improved psychophysiological wellbeing and personality functioning. Impairments in personality functioning were correlated with neopterin levels, which may impact the symptomatology and outcome.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in German Speaking Countries of Europe-Evidence-Based Guidelines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland LLKardReha-DACH-Part 2

Background: Scientific guidelines have been developed to update and harmonize exercise based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) in German speaking countries. Key recommendations for ebCR indications have recently been published in part 1 of this journal. The present part 2 updates the evidence with respect to contents and delivery of ebCR in clinical practice, focusing on exercise training (ET), psychological interventions (PI), patient education (PE). In addition, special patients’ groups and new developments, such as telemedical (Tele) or home-based ebCR, are discussed as well. Methods: Generation of evidence and search of literature have been described in part 1. Results: Well documented evidence confirms the prognostic significance of ET in patients with coronary artery disease. Positive clinical effects of ET are described in patients with congestive heart failure, heart valve surgery or intervention, adults with congenital heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Specific recommendations for risk stratification and adequate exercise prescription for continuous-, interval-, and strength training are given in detail. PI when added to ebCR did not show significant positive effects in general. There was a positive trend towards reduction in depressive symptoms for “distress management” and “lifestyle changes”. PE is able to increase patients’ knowledge and motivation, as well as behavior changes, regarding physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking cessation. The evidence for distinct ebCR programs in special patients’ groups is less clear. Studies on Tele-CR predominantly included low-risk patients. Hence, it is questionable, whether clinical results derived from studies in conventional ebCR may be transferred to Tele-CR. Conclusions: ET is the cornerstone of ebCR. Additional PI should be included, adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. PE is able to promote patients self-management, empowerment, and motivation. Diversity-sensitive structures should be established to interact with the needs of special patient groups and gender issues. Tele-CR should be further investigated as a valuable tool to implement ebCR more widely and effectively.

Frailty in patients with aortic stenosis awaiting intervention

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular disease in older age. Definitive interventions include surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In high-risk patients, frailty is observed in up to 50% awaiting TAVI. Frailty is now an established predictor of outcomes in patients with AS who undergo intervention. There is currently no consensus definition for frailty. It is widely described as a syndrome of loss in physiological reserve predisposing to increased vulnerability for death or dependency. Frailty encompasses a holistic view including domains of physical function, cognition, depression, nutrition and medical comorbidities. Individual components of frailty have been shown to significantly predict mortality, functional recovery and quality of life after TAVI. The addition of frailty components to conventional risk prediction models traditionally used in cardiac surgery has been shown to augment overall prediction for post-operative mortality and morbidity. Identifying patients who are frail at baseline provides an opportunity to modify dynamic aspects of frailty prior to, and after definitive intervention for AS. A multidisciplinary approach including comprehensive geriatric pre-operative assessment will likely become standard of care to identify and optimise frail patients awaiting TAVI. In this review, we discuss the definition and measurement of frailty in patients with AS, evaluate recent data on risk prediction associated with frailty, and outline approaches to optimisation of dynamic components of frailty to improve outcomes after AS intervention.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in German Speaking Countries of Europe-Evidence-Based Guidelines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland LLKardReha-DACH-Part 1

BACKGROUND

Although cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is well accepted in general, CR-attendance and delivery still considerably vary between the European countries. Moreover, clinical and prognostic effects of CR are not well established for a variety of cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

The guidelines address all aspects of CR including indications, contents and delivery. By processing the guidelines, every step was externally supervised and moderated by independent members of the "Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany" (AWMF). Four meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic effect of CR after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), after coronary bypass grafting (CABG), in patients with severe chronic systolic heart failure (HFrEF), and to define the effect of psychological interventions during CR. All other indications for CR-delivery were based on a predefined semi-structured literature search and recommendations were established by a formal consenting process including all medical societies involved in guideline generation.

RESULTS

Multidisciplinary CR is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality in patients after ACS and after CABG, whereas HFrEF-patients (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) especially benefit in terms of exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Patients with other cardiovascular diseases also benefit from CR-participation, but the scientific evidence is less clear. There is increasing evidence that the beneficial effect of CR strongly depends on "treatment intensity" including medical supervision, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, information and education, and a minimum of individually adapted exercise volume. Additional psychologic interventions should be performed on the basis of individual needs.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines reinforce the substantial benefit of CR in specific clinical indications, but also describe remaining deficits in CR-delivery in clinical practice as well as in CR-science with respect to methodology and presentation.

Cardiac rehabilitation outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Patients with severe aortic stenosis are increasingly treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as a safer option to surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR).  Similar to many other heart diseases, after the specific therapeutic intervention patients are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for the purpose of functional recovery. Thus far, CR after both sAVR and TAVI has been used to a limited extent, as shown by the availability of only two meta-analyses including 5 studies and 6 studies, respectively. Recent observational studies reported a significant improvement in functional indexes such as the Barthel scale and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). We evaluated the outcome of CR in patients after TAVI treatment by measuring changes in the commonly used Barthel scale and 6MWT and adding the short physical performance battery (SPPB) scale as an index to assess lower extremity function. All indexes demonstrated a significant improvement, namely p<0.001 with the Barthel scale, p=0.043 for the 6MWT, and p=0.002 for SPPB. These results confirm the significant improvement of the Barthel scale and 6MWT reported in the previous meta-analysis and suggest the utility of SPPB as a further index of efficacy of CR in patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with TAVI.

Randomized Comparison of Exercise Intervention Versus Usual Care in Older Adult Patients with Frailty After Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Older adult patients with frailty are rarely involved in rehabilitation programs after myocardial infarction. Our aim was to investigate the benefits of exercise intervention in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 150 survivors after acute myocardial infarction, ≥70 years and with pre-frailty or frailty (Fried scale ≥1 points), were randomized to control (n = 77) or intervention (n = 73) groups. The intervention consisted of a 3-month exercise program, under physiotherapist supervision, followed by an independent home-based program. The main outcome was frailty (Fried scale) at 3 months and 1 year. Secondary endpoints were clinical events (mortality or any readmission) at 1 year.

RESULTS

Mean age was 80 years (range = 70-96). In the intervention group, 44 (60%) out of 73 patients participated in the program and 23 (32%) completed it. Overall, there was a decrease in the Fried score in the intervention group at 3 months, with no effect at 1 year. However, in the intention-to-treat analysis, such change did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.110). Only treatment comparisons made among the subgroups that participated in (P = 0.033) and completed (P = 0.018) the program achieved statistical significance. There were no differences in clinical events. Worse Fried score trajectory along follow-up increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-4.55, P = 0.009) CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment and retention for a physical program in older adult patients with frailty after myocardial infarction was challenging. Frailty status improved in the subgroup that participated in the program, although this benefit was attenuated after shifting to a home-based program. A better frailty trajectory might influence midterm prognosis. (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02715453).

Preoperative frailty affects postoperative complications, exercise capacity, and home discharge rates after surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Assessment of frailty is important for risk stratification among the elderly with severe aortic stenosis (AS) when considering interventions such as surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, evidence of the impact of preoperative frailty on short-term postoperative outcomes or functional recovery is limited. This retrospective study included 234 consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent SAVR or TAVR at Kobe University Hospital between Dec 2013 and Dec 2019. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, postoperative 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and home discharge rates. The mean age was 82 ± 6.6 years. There were 169 (SAVR: 80, TAVR: 89) and 65 (SAVR: 20, TAVR: 45) patients in the non-frail and frail groups, respectively (p = 0.02). The postoperative complication rates in the frail group were significantly higher than those in the non-frail group [30.8% (SAVR: 35.0%, TAVR: 28.9%) vs. 10.7% (SAVR: 15.0%, TAVR: 6.7%), p < 0.001]. The home discharge rate in the non-frail group was significantly higher than that in the frail group [85.2% (SAVR: 81.2%, TAVR: 88.8%) vs. 49.2% (SAVR: 55.0%, TAVR: 46.7%), p < 0.001]. The postoperative 6MWD in the non-frail group was significantly longer than that in the frail group [299.3 ± 87.8 m (SAVR: 321.9 ± 90.8 m, TAVR: 281.1 ± 81.3 m) vs. 141.9 ± 92.4 m (SAVR: 167.8 ± 92.5 m, TAVR: 131.6 ± 91.3 m), p < 0.001]. The TAVR group did not show a decrease in the 6MWD after intervention, regardless of frailty. We report for the first time that preoperative frailty was strongly associated with postoperative complications, 6MWD, and home discharge rates following both SAVR and TAVR. Preoperative frailty assessment may provide useful indications for planning better individualized therapeutic interventions and supporting comprehensive intensive care before and after interventions.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The New Challenges of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an increasingly widespread percutaneous intervention of aortic valve replacement (AVR). The target population for TAVI is mainly composed of elderly, frail patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), multiple comorbidities, and high perioperative mortality risk for surgical AVR (sAVR). These vulnerable patients could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs after percutaneous intervention. To date, no major guidelines currently recommend CR after TAVI. However, emerging scientific evidence shows that CR in patients undergoing TAVI is safe, and improves exercise tolerance and quality of life. Moreover, preliminary data prove that a CR program after TAVI has the potential to reduce mortality during follow-up, even if randomized clinical trials are needed for confirmation. The present review article provides an overview of all scientific evidence concerning the potential beneficial effects of CR after TAVI, and suggests possible fields of research to improve cardiac care after TAVI.

Factors associated with improved walking in older people during hospital rehabilitation: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Older people are often admitted for rehabilitation to improve walking, yet not everyone improves. The aim of this study was to determine key factors associated with a positive response to hospital-based rehabilitation in older people.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis from a multisite randomized controlled trial. Older people (n= 198, median age 80.9 years, IQR 76.6- 87.2) who were admitted to geriatric rehabilitation wards with a goal to improve walking were recruited. Participants were randomized to receive additional daily physical therapy focused on mobility (n = 99), or additional social activities (n = 99). Self-selected gait speed was measured on admission and discharge. Four participants withdrew. People who changed gait speed ≥0.1 m/s were classified as ‘responders’ (n = 130); those that changed <0.1m/s were classified as ‘non-responders’ (n = 64). Multivariable logistic regression explored the association of six pre-selected participant factors (age, baseline ambulation status, frailty, co-morbidities, cognition, depression) and two therapy factors (daily supervised upright activity time, rehabilitation days) and response.

Results

Responding to rehabilitation was associated with the number of days in rehabilitation (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08; p = .039) and higher Mini Mental State Examination scores (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 – 1.14; p = .048). No other factors were found to have association with responding to rehabilitation.

Conclusion

In older people with complex health problems or multi-morbidities, better cognition and a longer stay in rehabilitation were associated with a positive improvement in walking speed. Further research to explore who best responds to hospital-based rehabilitation and what interventions improve rehabilitation outcomes is warranted.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000884707; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01910740.

The impact of additional resistance and balance training in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in older patients after valve surgery or intervention: randomized control trial

Background

To evaluate the short- and mid-term effect of a specially tailored resistance and balance training provided in addition to usual cardiac rehabilitation (CR) care program in older patients after valve surgery/intervention.

Methods

Single-center (inpatient CR clinic in Lithuania) randomized controlled trial. Two hundred fifty-two patients were assessed for eligibility on the first day of admittance to CR early after (14.5 ± 5.9 days) valve surgery/intervention between January 2018 and November 2019. Participants were coded centrally in accordance with randomization 1:1 using a computerized list. Control group (CG) patients were provided with usual care phase-II-CR inpatient multidisciplinary CR program, while intervention group (IG) patients received additional resistance and balance training (3 d/wk). Patients participated in a 3-month follow-up. Main outcome measures were functional capacity (6 min walk test (6MWT, meters), cardiopulmonary exercise testing), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, score) and 5-m walk test (5MWT, meters/second)), strength (one repetition maximum test for leg press), physical frailty (SPPB, 5MWT).

Results

One hundred sixteen patients (76.1 ± 6.7 years, 50% male) who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were randomized to IG (n = 60) or CG (n = 56) and participated in CR (18.6 ± 2.7 days). As a result, 6MWT (IG 247 ± 94.1 vs. 348 ± 100.1, CG 232 ± 102.8 vs. 333 ± 120.7), SPPB (IG 8.31 ± 2.21 vs. 9.51 ± 2.24, CG 7.95 ± 2.01 vs. 9.08 ± 2.35), 5MWT (IG 0.847 ± 0.31 vs. 0.965 ± 0.3, CG 0.765 ± 0.24 vs 0.879 ± 0.29) all other outcome variables and physical frailty level improved significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups with no significant difference between groups. Improvements were sustained over the 3-month follow-up for 6MWT (IG 348 ± 113 vs. CG 332 ± 147.4), SPPB (IG 10.37 ± 1.59 vs CG 9.44 ± 2.34), 5MWT (IG 1.086 ± 0. 307 vs CG 1.123 ± 0.539) and other variables. Improvement in physical frailty level was significantly more pronounced in IG (p < 0.05) after the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Exercise-based CR improves functional and exercise capacity, physical performance, and muscular strength, and reduces physical frailty levels in patients after valve surgery/intervention in the short and medium terms. SPPB score and 5MWT were useful for physical frailty assessment, screening and evaluation of outcomes in a CR setting. Additional benefit from the resistance and balance training could not be confirmed.

Trial registration

NCT04234087, retrospectively registered 21 January 2020.

[Postacute care after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)]

With increasing age valvular heart disease is among the most frequent diseases of the heart. Relevant valvular disease impairs not only the long-term prognosis but also physical resilience, activities of daily living and the quality of life. In cases of middle to high-grade symptomatic cardiac defects, valve replacement or valve reconstruction is still the surgical procedure of choice; however, in recent years the transcatheter percutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVI) procedure has become more prominent for the most frequent defect, aortic valve stenosis. This article provides an overview of the aftercare and rehabilitation of patients following a TAVI intervention.

Geriatric or cardiac rehabilitation? Predictors of treatment pathways in advanced age patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Aim of the study was to find predictors of allocating patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to geriatric (GR) or cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and describe this new patient group based on a differentiated characterization.

Methods

From 10/2013 to 07/2015, 344 patients with an elective TAVI were consecutively enrolled in this prospective multicentric cohort study. Before intervention, sociodemographic parameters, echocardiographic data, comorbidities, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), quality of life and frailty (score indexing activities of daily living [ADL], cognition, nutrition and mobility) were documented. Out of these, predictors for assignment to CR or GR after TAVI were identified using a multivariable regression model.

Results

After TAVI, 249 patients (80.7 ± 5.1 years, 59.0% female) underwent CR (n = 198) or GR (n = 51). GR patients were older, less physically active and more often had a level of care, peripheral artery disease as well as a lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The groups also varied in 6MWD. Furthermore, individual components of frailty revealed prognostic impact: higher values in instrumental ADL reduced the probability for referral to GR (OR:0.49, p <  0.001), while an impaired mobility was positively associated with referral to GR (OR:3.97, p = 0.046). Clinical parameters like stroke (OR:0.19 of GR, p = 0.038) and the EuroSCORE (OR:1.04 of GR, p = 0.026) were also predictive.

Conclusion

Advanced age patients after TAVI referred to CR or GR differ in several parameters and seem to be different patient groups with specific needs, e.g. regarding activities of daily living and mobility. Thus, our data prove the eligibility of both CR and GR settings.

Secondary prevention through comprehensive cardiovascular rehabilitation: From knowledge to implementation. 2020 update. A position paper from the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology

Secondary prevention through comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation has been recognized as the most cost-effective intervention to ensure favourable outcomes across a wide spectrum of cardiovascular disease, reducing cardiovascular mortality, morbidity and disability, and to increase quality of life. The delivery of a comprehensive and 'modern' cardiac rehabilitation programme is mandatory both in the residential and the out-patient setting to ensure expected outcomes. The present position paper aims to update the practical recommendations on the core components and goals of cardiac rehabilitation intervention in different cardiovascular conditions, in order to assist the whole cardiac rehabilitation staff in the design and development of the programmes, and to support healthcare providers, insurers, policy makers and patients in the recognition of the positive nature of cardiac rehabilitation. Starting from the previous position paper published in 2010, this updated document maintains a disease-oriented approach, presenting both well-established and more controversial aspects. Particularly for implementation of the exercise programme, advances in different training modalities were added and new challenging populations were considered. A general table applicable to all cardiovascular conditions and specific tables for each clinical condition have been created for routine practice.

Predictors of survival in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

AIMS

Cardiac rehabilitation may improve physical and functional recovery after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but outcome predictors in TAVI patients are usually based on assessments made before or at the time of TAVI without regard to cardiac rehabilitation referral. We aimed to assess exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation-derived parameters that may predict 3-year outcome in TAVI patients undergoing residential cardiac rehabilitation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 95 consecutive TAVI patients (82.7 ± 4.9 years, 65% women) who underwent a 3-week cardiac rehabilitation program, at 3-year follow-up 35 deaths occurred. Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors had longer stay in cardiac rehabilitation (29.5 ± 12.3 vs. 21.6 ± 7.5 days, P = 0.0001), worse serum creatinine at admission/discharge (1.59 ± 0.86 vs. 1.26 ± 0.43 mg/dl, P = 0.0164; 1.52 ± 0.61 vs. 1.23 ± 0.44 mg/dl, P = 0.011), higher Cumulative Illness Rated State Comorbidity Index (5.4 ± 1.5 vs. 4.6 ± 1.8, P = 0.036) and Barthel Index at admission/discharge (51.8 ± 24.5 vs. 68.1 ± 23.2, P = 0.0016; 73.5 ± 27.2 vs. 88.6 ± 15.3, P = 0.0007), higher Morse Fall Risk score (35.6 ± 24 vs. 24.3 ± 14.1, P = 0.0056), and were less likely to train above the median exercise workload (fit) (11 vs. 35%, P = 0.008) or perform the 6-min walk test (6MWT) at admission/discharge (NO-6MWT: 34 vs. 12%, P = 0.008) and walked less distance on admission (6MWT: 129.6 ± 88.3 vs. 193.3 ± 69.8 m, P = 0.008). Univariate predictors of 3-year survival were cardiac rehabilitation duration, serum creatinine, Cumulative Illness Rated State Comorbidity Index, Barthel Index and NO-6MWT at admission/discharge, 6MWT at admission, Morse Fall Risk score at discharge and fit. Multivariate analysis confirmed exercise tolerance, Barthel Index and sCr at discharge as predictors.

CONCLUSION

In TAVI patients who undergo cardiac rehabilitation, lower exercise tolerance, higher Barthel Index and sCr at discharge may predict 3-year mortality.

Changes in the nutritional and activity status of elderly patients within 6 months of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A mixed methods approach

AIM

Our aim was to explore changes in nutritional and activity status of patients within 6 months after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and factors affecting malnutrition post-TAVR in this cohort, and to gain understanding of their lifestyle considerations.

METHODS

Using a mixed methods approach, we conducted a prospective, longitudinal survey, consisting of interviews and a questionnaire, of 50 participants aged ≥70 years (mean age, 83 years; 58.0% female) undergoing TAVR. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and albumin level (to measure nutritional status) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores from the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (to measure activity status) were collected at pre-TAVR and 1 month and 6 months post-TAVR. Laboratory data and some index scores (e.g., the Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS] and the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]) assessed before TAVR were collected from medical records as related factors.

RESULTS

Significant change was observed only in the MNA scores of participants who were assessed as malnourished at pre-TAVR, which improved, but did not reach normal nutritional status. Low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis (odds ratio [OR]: 166.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.43-5094.43), higher CFS scores (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.01-6.54), and lower MMSE scores (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.99) were related to malnutrition post-TAVR. From interviews, three themes emerged: "balancing heart-healthy lifestyle and longstanding habits," "living with aging and disease" and "prospects for the rest of life."

CONCLUSIONS

Our results could be utilized to identify patients at risk of malnutrition post-TAVR, and to provide support with consideration of their lifestyle concerns.

The Impact of Cognitive Dysfunction on Locomotor Rehabilitation Potential in Multiple Sclerosis

Background:

Cognitive dysfunction is a frequent manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) but its effect on locomotor rehabilitation is unknown.

Objective:

To study the impact of cognitive impairment on locomotor rehabilitation outcome in people with MS.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis involving ambulatory patients with MS who were admitted for intensive, inpatient, multidisciplinary rehabilitation at the National Multiple Sclerosis Center of Melsbroek between the years 2012 and 2017. The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N) was used to determine the cognitive status of subjects as either impaired (COG–) or preserved (COG+). Locomotor outcome was compared between groups with the difference in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measured at admission and discharge (Δ6MWT). In addition, individual test scores of the BRB-N for attention (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test 2” and 3”), visuospatial learning/memory (7/24 Spatial Recall Test), verbal learning/memory (Selective Reminding Test) and verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test) were correlated to the Δ6MWT.

Results:

A total of 318 complete and unique records were identified. Both groups showed a significant within-group Δ6MWT during hospitalization (COG+: 47.51 m; COG–: 40.97 m; P < .01). In contrast, Δ6MWT values were comparable between groups. The odds of achieving a minimal clinical important difference on the 6MWT did not differ significantly between both groups. Only attention/concentration was significantly correlated with Δ6MWT (r = 0.16, P = .013).

Conclusion:

Cognitive impairment based on BRB-N results appears not to impede locomotor rehabilitation in ambulatory patients with MS. Attentional deficits are correlated to the extent of locomotor rehabilitation, suggesting the presence of a subtle effect of cognition.

Attending Heart School and long-term outcome after myocardial infarction: A decennial SWEDEHEART registry study

Background

The Heart School is a standard component of cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction in Sweden. The group-based educational intervention aims to improve modifiable risks, in turn reducing subsequent morbidity and mortality. However, an evaluation with respect to mortality is lacking.

Aims

Using linked population registries, we estimated the association of attending Heart School with both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, two and five years after admission for first-time myocardial infarction.

Methods

Patients with first-time myocardial infarction (<75 years) were identified as consecutively registered in the nationwide heart registry, SWEDEHEART (2006–2015), with >99% complete follow-up in the Causes of Death registry for outcome events. Of 192,059 myocardial infarction admissions, 47,907 unique patients with first-time myocardial infarction surviving to the first cardiac rehabilitation visit constituted the study population. The exposure was attending Heart School at the first cardiac rehabilitation visit 6–10 weeks post-myocardial infarction. Data on socioeconomic status was acquired from Statistics Sweden. After multiple imputation, propensity score matching was performed. The association of exposure with mortality was estimated with Cox regression and survival curves.

Results

After matching, attending Heart School was associated (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)) with a markedly lower risk of both all-cause (two-year hazard ratio = 0.53 (0.44–0.64); five-year hazard ratio = 0.62 (0.55–0.69)) and cardiovascular (0.50 (0.38–0.65); 0.57 (0.47–0.69)) mortality. The results were robust in several sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Attending Heart School during cardiac rehabilitation is associated with almost halved all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after first-time myocardial infarction. The result warrants further investigation through adequately powered randomised trials.

Association Between Cardiac Rehabilitation and Frailty

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation is a mainstay treatment for patients experiencing an adverse cardiovascular event. Heart disease is important in frailty, but the impact of cardiac rehabilitation on frailty is unclear.

METHODS

Patients were referred to a 12-week group-based exercise and education cardiac rehabilitation program performed twice weekly. Frailty was measured with the use of a 25-item accumulation of deficits frailty index (range 0-1; higher values indicate greater frailty) at cardiac rehabilitation admission and completion. Patients were categorized by the degree of frailty in 0.1 increments.

RESULTS

Of the 4004 patients who enrolled, 2322 (58.0%) completed cardiac rehabilitation with complete data at admission and completion. There were 414 (17.8%), 642 (27.6%), 690 (29.7%), 401 (17.3%), and 175 (7.5%) patients with admission frailty levels of < 0.20, 0.20-0.30, 0.30-0.40, 0.40-0.50, and > 0.50, respectively. Frailty levels improved from cardiac rehabilitation admission (mean 0.34 [95% CI 0.32-0.35]) to completion (0.26 [0.25-0.28]) for those who completed the program (P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, and number of exercise sessions attended, frailty improved in all frailty groups by mean differences of 0.03 (0.02-0.03), 0.05 (0.05-0.06), 0.08 (0.08-0.09), 0.10 (0.09-0.11), and 0.11 (0.10-0.13) in the < 0.20, 0.20-0.30, 0.30-0.40, 0.40-0.50, and > 0.50 frailty groups, respectively. The minimal improvement in frailty scores (≥ 0.03 reduction) was achieved by 48%, 65%, 72%, 76%, and 79% of patients in the the 5 frailty groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although higher frailty levels were associated with cardiac rehabilitation drop-out, finishing the program was related to improving frailty levels, especially in patients who were the frailest.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis in the Australian regional population

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical and functional outcomes of regional and urban patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis.

METHODS

Data were collected at patient follow-up post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation at 30 days and 12 months. Patients were stratified by residential postcodes into remoteness areas using the Australian Statistical Geography Standard.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single-centre tertiary referral hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (n = 142) from 2009 to 2018 were analysed, with 77 patients (54.2%) residing in regional Victoria and New South Wales.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Procedural success, adverse event rates, readmission rates, mortality rates, loss to follow-up and functional improvement.

RESULTS

Patients residing in regional areas had a lower mean age (81.8 vs 83.7 years) and proportion of Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (1.3% vs 9.2%), compared with urban patients. Procedural characteristics and immediate post-procedural outcomes were similar between both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality, readmission rates or loss to follow-up between the two cohorts. Regional patients demonstrated poorer rates of functional improvement at 30 days (50.7% vs 67.7%); however, this difference was not sustained at 12 months (79.2% vs 71.0%). Frailty was demonstrated to be an independent predictor of poor 30-day functional improvement.

CONCLUSION

Regional patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis have non-inferior 30-day and 12-month outcomes, when compared with urban patients. Frailty is a predictor of poor functional improvement post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Impact of Rehabilitation on Outcomes after TAVI: A Preliminary Study

The benefit of rehabilitation in elderly patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for treatment of severe aortic stenosis is unknown. The impact of declining rehabilitation programs on mortality has also not been described. In a longitudinal cohort study of 1056 patients undergoing elective TAVI between 2008 and 2016, logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between treatment modality and outcome according to whether or not patients participated in a three-week rehabilitation program after TAVI. Subgroup analyses included patient outcome separated according to cardiac, geriatric, or no rehabilitation. A total of 1017 patients survived until hospital discharge (96.3%) and were offered rehabilitation, 366 patients (36.0%) declined to undergo rehabilitation, with the remaining patients undergoing either cardiac (n = 435; 42.8%) or geriatric rehabilitation (n = 216; 21.2%). Mortality at six months was lower for patients receiving rehabilitation compared with those who had not (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.49; 95% confidence interval (confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–0.94; p = 0.032). Sub-analysis showed the benefit of cardiac (adjusted OR: 0.31; 95% CI 0.14–0.71, p = 0.006), but not geriatric rehabilitation (adjusted OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.37–1.85, p = 0.65). A program of rehabilitation after TAVI has the potential to reduce mortality. Future studies should focus on health-orientated behavior and identifying risk factors for declining rehabilitation programs.

Frailty and Exercise Training: How to Provide Best Care after Cardiac Surgery or Intervention for Elder Patients with Valvular Heart Disease

The aim of this literature review was to evaluate existing evidence on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as a treatment option for elderly frail patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Pubmed database was searched for articles between 1980 and January 2018. From 2623 articles screened, 61 on frailty and VHD and 12 on exercise-based training for patients with VHD were included in the analysis. We studied and described frailty assessment in this patient population. Studies reporting results of exercise training in patients after surgical/interventional VHD treatment were analyzed regarding contents and outcomes. The tools for frailty assessment included fried phenotype frailty index and its modifications, multidimensional geriatric assessment, clinical frailty scale, 5-meter walking test, serum albumin levels, and Katz index of activities of daily living. Frailty assessment in CR settings should be based on functional, objective tests and should have similar components as tools for risk assessment (mobility, muscle mass and strength, independence in daily living, cognitive functions, nutrition, and anxiety and depression evaluation). Participating in comprehensive exercise-based CR could improve short- and long-term outcomes (better quality of life, physical and functional capacity) in frail VHD patients. Such CR program should be led by cardiologist, and its content should include (1) exercise training (endurance and strength training to improve muscle mass, strength, balance, and coordination), (2) nutrition counseling, (3) occupational therapy (to improve independency and cognitive function), (4) psychological counseling to ensure psychosocial health, and (5) social worker counseling (to improve independency). Comprehensive CR could help to prevent, restore, and reduce the severity of frailty as well as to improve outcomes for frail VHD patients after surgery or intervention.

Comparison of phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation outcomes between patients after transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement

Background

Referral rates and outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation have not been evaluated in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement or compared with surgical aortic valve replacement.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 488 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement ( n = 199) and surgical aortic valve replacement ( n = 289) from a university-based statewide transcatheter aortic valve replacement/surgical aortic valve replacement program during 2015–2017. Cardiac rehabilitation consisted of supervised exercise, diet education, and stress and depression management. We compared changes from baseline in exercise duration and intensity during cardiac rehabilitation sessions, quality-of-life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey), and psychosocial measures (anxiety, depression, mood, social support, and diet) between transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement patients using t-test and chi-square analyses.

Results

Of 488 patients, cardiac rehabilitation referral rates were similar at 41% (transcatheter aortic valve replacement 81/199 versus surgical aortic valve replacement 117/289), but enrollment rates were lower in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (27/199, 14%) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (102/289, 35%, p < 0.01). Among eligible patients, cardiac rehabilitation completion rates were lower in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (12%) than surgical aortic valve replacement (32%). Exercise intensity during cardiac rehabilitation improved in both groups in a similar fashion (transcatheter aortic valve replacement 1.03 ± 1.09 versus surgical aortic valve replacement 1.34 ± 1.15 metabolic equivalents), but increase in exercise duration was higher in transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients versus surgical aortic valve replacement patients (14.52 ± 6.42 versus 10.67 ± 8.38 min, p = 0.02). Improvement in physical composite score was higher in surgical aortic valve replacement versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement (8.72 ± 7.87 versus 2.36 ± 7.6, p = 0.02) while improvement in mental composite score was higher in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (8.19 ± 8.50) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (1.18 ± 7.23, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the two groups in improvement in psychosocial measures.

Conclusion

Cardiac rehabilitation enrollment was low in transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients versus surgical aortic valve replacement patients despite similar referral rates. Improvement in functional and quality-of-life performance was achieved in both transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement. Future studies should address obstacles for enrollment of transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients.