Patients get fit for a heart transplant

A new exercise trial for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients is testing whether increased fitness training will put them in a better position before and after heart transplant.

The trial, lead by Alfred Hospital senior physiotherapist Kate Hayes, is a world first.

While it is only half way through, the results are very encouraging, Ms Hayes said.

'There have been single case studies in this area but no-one has ever done a randomised controlled trial to show whether training has a positive effect on the amount of exercise a patient does, plus how they feel generally.

'They're a really hard group to study, as there are only a small number of patients each year that receive an LVAD, and their progress can be unpredictable.'

The control group does a home walking program, standard practice for LVAD patients, while the randomised group does a gym-based training program as well as walking.

Ms Hayes and her team follow the patients for eight weeks, testing their fitness both pre and post the trial, as well as a quality of life questionnaire.

'Ethically, we couldn't take the walking out because we know it increases chances of survival,' Ms Hayes said.

'So we wanted them to continue walking but wondered whether doing any more intense training would have greater benefits.'

Ms Hayes said practice around the world varied greatly for LVAD patients - often sent home soon after and left to wait for their transplants.

So far, there has been an excellent uptake into the trial, including Phil Brown, who was enrolled as the sixth participant.

Mr Brown managed to live with cardiomyopathy for 12 years until he rapidly deteriorated late last year.

A VAD was fitted and he did not hesitate to sign on to the trial.

'Anything I can do that might get me fitter and more prepared for transplant is a positive for me,' Mr Brown said.

Only one trial participant had been transplanted and he was out of hospital quickly, Ms Hayes said.