Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Additional Resistance and Balance Training in Cardiac Rehabilitation of Older Patients After Valve Surgery or Intervention

Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Additional Resistance and Balance Training in Cardiac Rehabilitation of Older Patients After Valve Surgery or Intervention

The aim of the study is to evaluate the short- and medium-term effectiveness of additional moderate dynamic resistance and balance training to the CR-program of old adults after valve surgery or intervention compared to usual care-CR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients after valve surgery and/or intervention
• Age 65 years and older
• Ability to start CR within 4 weeks after surgery,
• 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) ≥100- ≤350 m (1)
• Patient's agreement to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diseases in the musculoskeletal system or other organs complicating physical activity and exercise training;
• Exercise-limiting comorbidities (primarily orthopedic and neurological conditions that would exclude individuals from participating in CR according to study protocol), including chronic heart failure New York Heart Association Class IV, hemoglobin less than 9 g/dL, wound healing disturbance, cognitive or linguistic deficits.