Rehabilitation and Outcome for Patients on LVAD Support

Multi-module Rehabilitation for Patients on LVAD Support - Impact on Long-term Outcomes

A prospective, multi-module intervention based on nutrition management, psychosocial support, and a controlled home-based physical exercise training program for patients on LVAD- support will be provided to improve outcomes in terms of survival and patients health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for the long-term. Physical capacity, neurocognitive, psychological factors, and adverse events will be assessed as potential independent indicators for HRQoL.

The multi-module intervention program for patients on LVAD support includes nutrition management, home-based ergometer training program, psychosocial support and neurocognitive screening. The nutrition management and physical reconditioning program will be supplemented by psychosocial support targeting the risk of increased stress, anxiety, and depression level. Moreover, standardized neurocognitive screening procedures will be administered to detect neurocognitive dysfunction (except stroke) and will be assessed for their potential to predict limitations in QoL. Adverse events like re-hospitalizations, thromboembolic and bleeding events will be monitored and assessed for their potential to negatively impact QoL.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All eligible patients after LVAD implantation for long-term support with follow-up at our outpatient clinic
• Written informed consent
• Sufficient German language skills to read and answer a battery of questionnaires
• 18 years and older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe ventricular arrhythmia
• Severe orthopaedic comorbidities
• Illiteracy