The Effects of Bicycle Versus Arm Ergometer Exercise Training on Physical Functions and Lipid Profile in Patients Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects on physical functions (PF) and lipid profile (LP) of bicycle and arm ergometer exercises among the patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Material and Methods: The study involved 50 patients, who underwent CABG surgery. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. After the exclusion of 11 cases, evaluation was performed of 23 patients in the bicycle ergometer group (BEG) and 16 patients in the arm ergometer group (AEG). All the subjects participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of exercise training with bicycle or arm ergometer exercise for a total of 30 sessions as 5 sessions per week during 6 weeks. Before and after the exercise training, the 6-minute walking test distance (6MWTD), body composition evaluation, and blood lipid levels were recorded. Results: Before and after the exercise training, statistically significant positive changes were observed in the BEG including increased 6MWD, and LP parameters containing decreased percentage of body fat, LDL, trigliserid level, and total cholesterol. Statistically significant changes were found in the AEG including increased 6MWTD and LP parameters containing HDL, decreased body fat percentage, BMI, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Comparing the values between the groups, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in the 6MWD in the BEG when compared to the AEG. Conclusions: In conclusion, bicycle and arm ergometer exercises had a positive effect on PF and LP after CABG surgery. For improving the functional capacity, the bicycle ergometer training was seen to be more advantageous.