Effect of Εxercise on Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device

Introduction: Exercise is one of the main components of the therapeutic approach for patients with cardiovascular disease. Subject of international literature is the exercise in heart failure patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Aim: The systematic review of the international literature about the effect of physical exercise on patients with LVAD. Material and Method: Articles were searched in the “PubMed” online database using the following keywords: "left ventricular assist device", "ventricular assist device", "exercise", "heart failure". The selection criteria of articles were the following: (a) published studies over the last 10 years, (b) descriptive studies, (c) randomized studies, (d) published studies in English and (e) adult patient population. Results: A total of 57 studies were found from the literature search, of which 6 were finally selected. From the analysis of the studies it was found that the implementation of physical exercise programs in people with LVAD increases the ability and tolerance to exercise as well as improve the quality of life of these individuals. Conclusions: Exercise can effectively improve the physical status and quality of life of patients with LVAD. Therefore, incorporating exercise into the therapeutic approach of these patients is considered important.