Multicomponent versus aerobic exercise intervention: Effects on hemodynamic, physical fitness and quality of life in adult and elderly cardiovascular disease patients: A randomized controlled study

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of mortality globally, emphasizing the need for effective preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a multicomponent compared to an aerobic training program on the hemodynamic parameters, physical fitness, psychophysical health status and quality of life (QoL) of adults and elderly with stabilized CVDs. Methods: Thirty-three subjects (19M and 14F; age 69.5 ± 4.9 years; BMI 27.34 ± 4.95 kg/m2) suffering from CVDs voluntarily participated in this 10-week randomized controlled study and were allocated into three groups: multicomponent training group (MTG; 6M, 6F; cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility and breathing exercises; 60′, 2d·wk-1), aerobic training group (ATG; 7M, 5F; aerobic-only training; 60′, 2d·wk-1) or a wait-list control group (CG; 6M, 3F; no PA). Hemodynamic parameters were assessed through resting hearth rate (RHR) and peripheral-systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P-SBP/P-DBP). Physical fitness was assessed via a 30” chair stand test (30CST), timed up and go (TUG) test, handgrip strength (HGS) test, and 2’ step test (TMST). The health status, QoL and enjoyment were evaluated with short form-12 (SF-12), world health organization quality of life-bref (WHOQoL-bref) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES), respectively. Results: After the intervention, MTG showed significant improvements in hemodynamic parameters (95 % CI, RHR: 2.76 to 9.07; P-SBP: 3.28 to 13.71; P-DBP: 3.56 to 8.94; p 0.05). Significant differences between MTG and ATG were only found in physical fitness variables (95 % CI, 30CST: 3.21 to −0.45, p