Effect of Aerobic and Combined Upper Body Exercise on the Heart Structure and Function in Lower Limb Amputation Veterans

Aims: Lower limb amputee veterans are at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to physical problems and depression after the accident caused by amputation. Aerobic and resistance training are effective interventions in improving heart structure and function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic and combined exercises on the structure and function of the heart of lower limb amputation veterans. Materials Methods: This semi-experimental pre-test/post-test study was designed with two interventions and one control group. 45 randomly selected samples were divided into three groups: Aerobic training (15 people), combined training (15 people) and control (15 people). The experimental groups received the relevant intervention for 12 weeks. One-way analysis of variance, Tukey’s post hoc test, and paired T-test were used in SPSS 25 software to analyze the data. Findings: After 12 weeks of intervention, the groups had significant differences in weight (p=0.001) and body mass index (p=0.001). There were significant weight losses in the aerobic (p=0.001) and combined (p=0.001) training groups compared to the control group. Also, a significant decrease in body mass index was observed in the aerobic (p=0.001) and combined (p=0.001) training groups compared to the control group. A significant decrease in weight and body mass index was observed in the aerobic (p=0.001) and combined (p=0.003) training groups from pre-test to post-test. Conclusion: Upper-body aerobic training alone and in combination with resistance training affects the functional and structural indicators of the heart in lower-limb amputees.