Effects of Microcurrent in a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Home-based Program

Effects of Microcurrent in a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Home-based Program in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electric stimulation (electrolipolysis) in a home-based cardiovascular rehabilitation program in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in most industrialized countries.

It is widely accepted that cardiac rehabilitation has a beneficial role in the control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. However, these cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are scarce and only a small fraction of the population who needs has access. So, it is pertinent to the displacement of these programs to the community context.

Obesity has become a truly global epidemic among children and adults, as well as changing the metabolic profile: when occurs an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue (mainly central distribution) there are a set of changes / adjustments to the cardiac structure and function. The electrical stimulation of abdominal subcutaneous (electrolipolysis) is a procedure often used in physical therapy clinics to reduce waist circumference. However, the effectiveness of this intervention, the selection of parameters, and the duration of its effects in cardiac patients are not yet clarified in the literature.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals admitted to the coronary care unit for acute myocardial infarction for more than one year;
• Individuals of both sexes;
• Ages between 40 and 75 years;
• Heart disease stabilized;
• Motivation to perform physical activity for 8 weeks;
• Cognitive level sufficient to understand the particulars of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications of micro-current (pacemaker, osteosynthesis material, tumor areas and open wounds or skin changes in the abdominal region);
• Pregnant at the time, in the preceding 6 months or wishing to become pregnant during the intervention period;
• Neurological, musculoskeletal or respiratory disorders;
• Individuals who are to carry out other therapies.