Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercise in Post-CABG Patients: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background and Aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD), characterized by the narrowing of coronary vessels, can lead to myocardial infarction. Treatment may involve medications or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation plays a key role in secondary prevention. While rehabilitation commonly emphasizes land-based exercises, water-based interventions are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic exercises in CAD and post-CABG patients. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2024 assessing the effects of aquatic exercises in CAD or post-CABG patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. Inclusion criteria were: RCTs involving patients aged >18 years, with full-text availability, both sexes, use of water-based interventions (aquatic exercises, hydrotherapy, or water gymnastics), and outcomes including aerobic capacity (????̇O₂peak) and quality of life. Studies without CABG, not involving cardiac rehabilitation, lacking a comparison group, or focusing on conventional interventions were excluded. Results: Water-based exercise showed significant benefits, including a 27.4% increase in ????̇O₂peak, outperforming land-based exercise. BMI decreased by 1.3% and total body fat by 1.1 kg, though some gains diminished during detraining. Vascular function, measured via flow-mediated dilation (FMD), improved from 7.2% to 9.2%. Muscular strength increased significantly, with a 6.3 kg gain in leg strength and a 12.2% rise in total body strength. Adherence to water-based programs was high, reaching 89%, with few dropouts due to illness or personal circumstances. Conclusion: Water-based exercises are a safe, effective, and valuable component of cardiac rehabilitation for CAD and post-CABG patients, contributing to improved cardiovascular function, physical strength, and overall health outcomes
