Performance Limitations in Heart Transplant Recipients

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2018 Jul;46(3):144-151. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000149.

Abstract

We hypothesize that the reduced peak aerobic power (peak V˙O2) after heart transplantation is due to impaired cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function, and its improvement with short-term (≤1 yr) exercise training is primarily due to favorable skeletal muscle adaptations. Furthermore, the increased peak V˙O2 with long-term (>2 yr) training is primarily mediated by cardiac (sympathetic) reinnervation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Output
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Heart / innervation*
  • Heart Transplantation / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Oxygen Consumption*
  • Physical Endurance