The impact of cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life and 6 minute walk test in post Glenn patients

Abstract

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly those with single ventricular physiology undergoing Glenn shunt, often experience limited functional capacity and decreased quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the impact of a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on functional capacity, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and QoL in post-Glenn (PG) patients. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 35 PG patients aged 6 years and above, randomized into two groups: the CR group (n=15) participated in a 12-week CR program, while the control group (n=20) received standard care. Pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments included echocardiography, the 6MWT, and QoL evaluation using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Results: After 3 months, the CR group showed significant improvements in 6MWT distance, increasing from 378.67 ± 53.97 m to 411.00 ± 61.01 m (p < 0.001), compared to a non-significant change in the control group. Heart rate (HR) decreased in the CR group (pre: 92.27 ± 8.02 bpm, post: 84.93 ± 8.48 bpm, p < 0.05). QoL scores improved in the CR group, with a median MLHFQ score decrease from 19 (IQR 18-24) to 16 (IQR 12-21) (p < 0.05). No significant changes in echocardiographic parameters were observed in either group. Conclusion: A 12-week CR program significantly improves functional capacity and QoL in PG patients. These findings support the implementation of CR programs in this population to enhance physical activity and overall well-being.

Imprint

Ahmed Kadry Abdelhady Araquib, Abdifatah Omar Abubakar Abdelhady, Ahmed Mohamed Abo Bakr El Missiri, Youssef Mohammed Mohammed Fahmy. The impact of cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life and 6 minute walk test in post Glenn patients. Cardiometry; Issue 33; November 2024; p.80-86; DOI: 10.18137/cardiometry.2024.33.8086; Available from: https://www.cardiometry.net/issues/no33-november-2024/impact-cardiac-rehabilitation-quality