Effect of Aerobic Interval Training on Fatigue and Functional Performance in Post-Angioplasty Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and despite successful angioplasty, many patients continue to experience significant fatigue and impaired functional capacity. Existing rehabilitation strategies inadequately address these limitations, highlighting a need for adjunctive interventions that target both physiological and symptomatic recovery. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Aerobic Interval Training (AIT) combined with standard medication on fatigue severity and functional performance, compared to medication alone, in post-angioplasty patients. Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore, enrolling 47 patients aged 40–65 years who had undergone coronary angioplasty and completed Phase I cardiac rehabilitation. Participants were randomized into medication-only and medication AIT groups. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1STS) were employed as primary outcome measures over a 4-week intervention. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Riphah International University (IRB number not provided) in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27, employing paired and independent t-tests at a 5% significance level. Results: The medication group demonstrated significant improvements in FSS scores (pre: 4.56 ± 1.34; post: 2.77 ± 1.37; p < 0.001) and 6MWT distances (pre: 584.17 ± 77.88 meters; post: 646.58 ± 64.13 meters; p < 0.001) compared to the medication-only group. Clinically meaningful enhancements in fatigue reduction and aerobic endurance were observed, while no significant changes were noted in 1STS outcomes. Conclusion: Aerobic Interval Training significantly enhances fatigue reduction and aerobic capacity in post-angioplasty patients beyond medication alone, underscoring its clinical relevance for improving recovery trajectories and patient quality of life. These findings support the integration of AIT into standard cardiac rehabilitation programs for enhanced human healthcare outcomes.