A randomised controlled trial of cardiac rehabilitation after revascularisation

Background It is unclear if psycho-education on top of physical training is of additional value regarding quality of life in revascularised patients. Design Prospective randomised study comparing two types of cardiac rehabilitation: exercise based versus a more comprehensive approach including psychological therapy. Methods One hundred and thirty-seven male patients who underwent an uncomplicated coronary revascularisation procedure and who were mentally in a good condition, were randomised to one of two types of cardiac rehabilitation: physical training plus information about their disease (‘Fit’ program) during 6 weeks or comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation which, on top of the Fit-program, included weekly psycho-education sessions and relaxation therapy (‘Fit-Plus’ program) for 8 weeks. One hundred and four patients were analysed. Quality of life was measured by the ‘Leiden Quality of Life questionnaire’ and by the RAND-36 (quality of life) questionnaire. Results Quality of life improved in both treatment groups in the course of time up to 9 months after cardiac rehabilitation and there was no difference between the two types of cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise capacity improved likewise, blood lipid profile was unaffected and energy intake decreased in each treatment group but, again, there were no inter-group differences. Conclusion After an uncomplicated revascularisation procedure, physical training plus information results in a comparable outcome on quality of life when compared to a more comprehensive program including additional psycho-education and relaxation therapy.