Multidisciplinary program based in physiotherapy and nutrition in coronary artery disease patients: randomized controlled trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction. The interventions on eating habits and exercise in physiotherapy programs are usually recommended in coronary artery disease (CAD), since they are beneficial to improve physical and nutritional status of patient. Despite this, scarce studies are focused on combined protocols based on high intensity interval training (HIIT) and dietary education in CAD patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Purpose The main goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary program based in HIIT, with a program based in dietary education and HIIT (DEHIIT), on eating habits in CAD patients with PCI. Methods. A prospective, randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment was developed. The study was developed at a University research laboratory. 44 participants diagnosed with CAD, aged between 40 and 72 years, were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: HIIT group (HIITG, n = 22) and dietary intervention and HIIT group (DEHIITG, n = 22). The assessment consisted of applying a Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) at baseline and post-intervention. DEHIITG performed a 3-month dietary intervention program combined with 24 HIIT sessions at 85-95% of peak heart rate, whilst HIITG 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. At the end of the program, when comparing between groups, statistically significant changes were noted. DEHIITG consumed more olive oil (p = 0.021), chicken or turkey (p = 0.039), stir-fried with vegetables (p = 0.033), vegetables (p = 0.003), fish and seafood (p = 0.039), and quantity of commercial juices (p = 0.042), sweets and snacks (p = 0.033). HIITG showed more improvements than DEHIITG in soups and creams consumption (p = 0.042). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions. A dietary intervention with HIIT protocol yields better benefits than only HIIT on eating habits in CAD patients with PCI. Thus, our combined program could be considered a suitable treatment option among these patients.