Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Exercise Capacity in Women Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in Hamadan-Iran

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) on exercise capacity and rate pressure product (RPP) in Iranian female patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Hamadan, Iran. Methods: Sixty women after CABG were assigned into an exercise group (n = 30, mean age 58.5 ± 10.8 years), who performed physical training for 12 weeks, or a control group (n = 30, mean age 59.3 ± 8.6 years) who received usual care. Functional capacity and RPP were evaluated by six minute walking test (6MWT) and exercise test. Results: In comparison to before training, significant increases of estimated exercise capacity (10.72 ± 1.30 vs. 7.72 ± 1.6 METʹs, respectively) as well as 6MWT (556 ± 66.1 vs. 375.2 ± 28.1 meters, respectively) were observed in exercise group after 12 weeks training (P < 0.001). Women increased their exercise duration time (464.6 ± 107.3 vs. 311.2 ± 101.7 seconds, respectively) by 49.2% and RPP (22361 ± 3206 vs. 20270 ± 2704.1, respectively) by 10.3% after training (P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found before and after CRP in the control group. Conclusions: Women referred for rehabilitation have similar levels of compliance and improvement in exercise capacity and supply of oxygen to cardiac muscles (measured by peak myocardial oxygen consumption). After CRP, women demonstrated significant improvements in exercise duration time, 6MWT, RPP and supply of oxygen to cardiac muscles. CRP can play an important role in improving functional independence in women.