Exercise training intervention after coronary angioplasty: the ETICA trial ☆

Abstract OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to determine the effects of exercise training (ET) on functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) in patients who received percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary stenting (CS), the effects on the restenosis rate and the outcome. BACKGROUND It is unknown whether ET induces beneficial effects after coronary angioplasty. METHODS We studied 118 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (mean age 57 ± 10 years) who underwent PTCA or CS on one (69%) or two (31%) native epicardial coronary arteries. Patients were randomized into two matched groups. Group T (n = 59) was exercised three times a week for six months at 60% of peak V O 2 . Group C (n = 59) was the control group. RESULTS Only trained patients had significant improvements in peak V O 2 (26%, p CONCLUSIONS Moderate ET improves functional capacity and QOL after PTCA or CS. During the follow-up, trained patients had fewer events and a lower hospital readmission rate than controls, despite an unchanged restenosis rate.