Effect of Exercise After Heart Transplantation

Effect of High Intensity Interval-based Aerobic Exercise 1-8 Years After Heart Transplantation. 1 Year Follow Up.

This is a randomized controlled trial which will include approximately 50 heart transplant recipients 1-8 years after heart transplantation. The intervention and follow up period is 1 year. The primary purpose is to investigate if systematic, high intensity, interval-based aerobic exercise training results in a greater improvement of exercise capacity (measured by VO2peak) than previously shown in heart transplant recipients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Norwegian heart transplanted patients > 18 years of age
• 1-8 years after heart transplantation
• Optimal medical treatment
• Stable condition
• Written informed consent
• Must have access to a physical therapist or personal trainer in their hometown
• Motivation for exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable condition
• In need of revascularization or other invention
• Infections, open wounds or skin diseases
• Physical disabilities which prevent participation
• Other diseases, illnesses or conditions which contradict exercise