Effects of physical activity on quality of life of coronary artery
bypass grafted patients: Re-examining the evidence from randomized
clinical trials through systemic review
Abstract
Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with remodeling
and narrowing of the coronary arteries and is the primary cause of
mortality and handicap around the globe. Coronary artery bypass grafting
(CABG) is an established method for the treatment and symptomatic relief
of severe form of CAD. Post-GABG patients experience poorer quality of
life and worse long-term psychological outcomes. This study systemically
evaluates the effects of physical activity intervention on the quality
of life of post GABG patients. Methods: Two randomized controlled trials
recruiting 120 post-CABG patients met the inclusion criteria and were
systemically analyzed. Endpoints measured in this study included
physical and mental components related to quality of life. Data was
analyzed through selected statistical tool while using mean difference
and 95% confidence interval for analysis. Results: Mild to moderate
physical activity in the form of exercise or physiotherapy intervention
for 4 to 24 weeks improved the scores of QoL in post-CABG patients in
intervention group (36.41 ±5.12) as compared to control group (25.39
±6.22) at the end of follow up period. In comparison to control group,
scores of both physical and mental components including psychological
role, physical function, general health, bodily pain, social function,
vitality, and mental health were improved for post-CABG patients in
intervention group. Conclusion: Results reveal that mild to moderate
physical activity can improve quality of in post-GABG patients moderate
manner, however, further investigation in large population size in
needed prior to recommending physical activity in rehabilitation
programs of the target patients.