Effectiveness of a physiotherapy and nutrition program in patients with coronary artery disease: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction. Dietary and exercise interventions are effective strategies for improving physical and nutritional status of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, few studies have applied a combined exercise protocol based on high intensity interval training (HIIT) and dietary education in patients with CAD with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Purpose: This study researches the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary program based in HIIT with dietary education (DEHIIT) in comparison with only HIIT, on adherence to Mediterranean diet in CAD patients with PCI. Methods. A prospective, assessor‐blinded, parallel group, randomized trial was developed. The study was developed at a University research lab. Forty‐four adults diagnosed with CAD (between 40 and 72 years), were randomized to receive either combined dietary intervention and HIIT (DEHIIT, n = 22) or only HIIT (HIIT, n = 22). The adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with a 14‐item tool of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS‐14) at baseline and after the intervention. DEHIIT performed a 3‐month dietary intervention program combined with 24 HIIT sessions at 85‐95% of peak heart rate, whilst HIIT performed a 3‐month HIIT sessions at 85‐95% of peak heart rate. This study did not receive any funding. No conflict of interest is declared. Results. After three months, regarding to MEDAS‐14, DEHIIT increased the fish/seafood consumption significantly (p = 0.001) and decreased the fruit consumption (p = 0.032) and dry fruits (p = 0.006). And, when comparing between groups, DEHIIT obtained significantly more MEDAS‐14 score (p = 0.01) and more adherence to dieta mediterránea (p = 0.001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions. A combined protocol including dietary intervention and HIIT can bring benefits for CAD patients with PCI on adherence to Mediterranean diet in comparison to only HIIT. Consequently, our combined program could be used as a treatment option in the therapeutic approach for these patients.