International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 10/May/2022;35(5):596-606.
Interdisciplinary Group Intervention on Nutritional Profile, Quality of Life, and Stress During Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Giana de Freitas Rodrigues
, Daniela da Rosa Vieira
, Patrícia Pereira Ruschel
, Cynthia Seelig
, Christian Coronel
, Sandra Mari Barbiero
Abstract
Background:
Participating in therapeutic operative groups with nutritional and psychological interventions might influence the recovery of patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of group interventions on the nutritional profile, stress, and quality of life of patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Methods:
In this randomized clinical trial, adult patients of the Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Rehabilitation (CPMR) unit were randomized into control group (CG), receiving standard follow-up assessment by the CPMR unit, and intervention group (IG), which additionally participated in 6 meetings of an interdisciplinary group with a nutritionist and a psychologist. Anthropometric data and results from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (ISSL), and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were analyzed. Student’s t-tests, Generalized Estimation Equations (GEE), Mann-Whitney tests, and Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analyses, with a significance level of 5%.
Results:
The sample consisted of 76 patients: 31 in the IG (64±9.2 years old) and 45 in the CG (61.4±11.8 years old). There was a significant reduction (p<0.001) in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, and an increase (p=0.010) in the consumption of healthy food only in the IG. The consumption of unhealthy food was reduced in both groups (p<0.001), the physical aspect of quality of life improved (p=0.018), and women presented better physical (p=0.011) and mental results (p=0.008).
Conclusions:
This group intervention was effective regarding the nutritional status of patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The physical aspect of quality of life showed improvements in both groups.
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