Patients implanted with ventricular assist device (VAD) still have impairment of exercise capacity. Only few recipients’ patients were included in a cardiac rehabilitation program and moreover have sufficient intensity training.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of exercise training on exercise capacity in patients implanted with VAD.

This monocentric restrospective study includes 71 VAD patients (67 males, mean age: 53,6±3,2 years) referred to CR 63±54 days after implantation; 13 biventricular and 58 left VAD. Patients underwent clinical and exercise capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise test; CPET) evaluation before and at the end of the program; education and personalized exercise training including endurance and resistance training for 20 sessions. The main outcome was the changes on maximal and submaximal exercise capacity (peak VO2 and VT1).

Among the whole population, 70 were able to perform the baseline CPET (peak VO2 is 39±9% of normal values). The CPET after CR was available for 81,6% (13 patients not completing the entire program due to early transplantation, complications or willingness). For the 58 patients who have completed the program, results are displayed in Table 1.

Exercise training improves significantly the exercise capacities of VAD patients. This contributes to enhance quality of life and probably better clinical status in awaiting transplant patients.