Upper extremity aerobic exercise training improves peak oxygen consumption in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background: Impaired oxygen uptake and utilization kinetics were reported in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training (AET) on peak oxygen consumption (peak-VO2kg) have not been investigated. Aim: This prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded study investigates the effects of upper extremity AET on peak-VO2kg, cardiac and pulmonary outcomes and exercise capacity in PAH. Methods: Eleven patients in AET group (35.00±13.68years, 10F/1M) applied AET (55-75% of max-HR) 3 days/week and breathing exercises for 7 days/week and 11 patients in control group (40.18±14.47years, 10F/1M) applied breathing exercises for six weeks. Pulmonary functions (spirometry), exercise capacity (6-minute walk test [6MWT]), peak-VO2kg and cardiac and pulmonary outcomes (CPET during 6MWT) and dyspnea (modified “Medical Research Council” [MMRC] dyspnea scale) were evaluated before and after. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in groups (p>0.05). Peak-VO2kg (Δ:2.03 vs -0.51 ml/min/kg, p=0.031), %peak-VO2kg (Δ:6.54% vs -2.36%, p=0.024) and MMRC (p Conclusions: Upper extremity AET improves oxygen consumption, cardiac and pulmonary outcomes; decreases dyspnea perception in PAH and should be included in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Further trials with more patients are needed.