Impact of Exercise Training on Frailty in CVD Patients.

Impact of Aerobic Exercise Training on Markers of Frailty in Heart Failure and CABG Patients

The aim of this research project is to examine the impact of aerobic exercise on markers of frailty in patients (of 65 years or older) suffering from heart failure (HF) or after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or mini aortic valve replacement procedures (mini-AVR).

Frailty is defined as a progressive age-related decline in physiological systems that results in decreased reserves of intrinsic capacity, which confers extreme vulnerability to stressors. Based on previous research, there are indications that frailty is highly prevalent in HF, CABG and mini-AVR patients. As a consequence, these patients (both men and women of 65 years or older) will be included in this research project. The 12-week aerobic exercise program (3 sessions per week) will consist of ergometer, treadmill and arm-ergometer exercises. The intensity will be based on the maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) of the patient and will correspond with a heart rate between the first and second ventilatory threshold (with a gradual progression over time).

Secondary, correlations will be examined between markers of the CPET and frailty markers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women of at least 65 years of age at the start of the study
• To be admitted to Jessa Hospital Hasselt for cardiac rehabilitation after CABG or mini-AVR surgery or because of HF
• Diagnosed as being frail based on the Phenotype of Fried.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A persistently unstable clinical condition (e.g. angina, advanced conduction disturbances, threatening ventricular arrhythmias or acute HF)