EFFECTS OF TRANSITION FROM SUPERVISED CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM TO UNSUPERVISED IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HEART DISEASES

ABSTRACT Many post-surgical patients after coronary artery bypass who are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation are not being attended. Progression in the centers which deliver the rehabilitation is important, so that others may benefit from treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of transition froma program of supervised cardiac rehabilitation (Phase III) to unsupervised (Phase IV), for two months, on functional capacity, heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiometabolic parameters of individuals with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. In total, 10 individuals were evaluated,who had been on the Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program for at least six months and who were eligible for unsupervised rehabilitation. The parameters analyzed were functional capacity, HRV, blood pressure, blood glucose, waist-hip ratio and body mass index. Individuals undergoing unsupervised activities for two months presented no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. The cardiovascular and functional adaptations achieved in Phase III were maintained in Phase IV and should be encouraged for individuals at low cardiovascular risk who demonstrated benefits in Phase III.