International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
ISSN: 2329-9096
Vicky Yaari
Israel
Research Article
Early Physical Rehabilitation after Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Suggested Protocol and a Pilot Study
Author(s): Yair Blumberg, Adi Kravits, Dina Dinkin, Arie Neimark, Miriam Abu-Hatzira, Rina Shtein, Vicky Yaari, Tal Hasin, Daniel Murninkas, Benjamin Medalion, Ran Kornowsky, Avraham Pinchas and Tuvia Ben GalYair Blumberg, Adi Kravits, Dina Dinkin, Arie Neimark, Miriam Abu-Hatzira, Rina Shtein, Vicky Yaari, Tal Hasin, Daniel Murninkas, Benjamin Medalion, Ran Kornowsky, Avraham Pinchas and Tuvia Ben Gal
Background: Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation is an optional therapy for patients with end stage heart failure. Physical rehabilitation after an LVAD implantation is beneficial for the patient's recovery. A detailed protocol for and our experience with a very early post LVAD implantation individualized physical rehabilitation is presented.
Method: Twelve patients who underwent LVAD implantations between April 2010 and April 2011 were included in the study. As soon as the patients were able to walk by themselves (7-10 days post-op), they started aerobic exercise on a treadmill and on the Nustep: combining hand and leg aerobic exercise. Exercise was started at low intensity and for short intervals. The target was to increase intensity and duration. Progress was based on Both Subjective (Borg Scale) and objective (6 Minutes.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-9096.1000263