Comparison of the effect of aerobic and combined upper body exercises on the structure and function of the heart of lower limb amputation veterans.

Aims: Lower limb amputee veterans are at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to physical problems and depression after the accident caused by amputation. Aerobic and resistance training are effective interventions in improving heart structure and function. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic and combined upper body training on structural and functional heart indices of lower limb amputation veterans. Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 45 lower limb amputees were randomly divided into 3 groups of aerobic training, combined training and control. The training groups received three sessions every week for 12 weeks and with the overload in the duration, volume and intensity of the desired intervention. Measurements of body composition BP, HR and structural and functional variables of the heart (EDD, ESD, LVEF, LVS, PWT, EF) before and after the intervention. One-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test and paired T test were used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons. Findings: Significant improvement was observed in BMI, HR, BP, EDD, ESD, LVEF and EF in the aerobic and combined exercise groups compared to the control group (P=0.05). Only ESD index, a significant improvement was observed in the combined exercise group compared to the exercise group (P=0.044). There was no significant change in the thickness of the LVS and PWT of the left ventricle (P=0.05). Conclusion: For lower limb amputation veterans, aerobic and combined exercises can have many benefits to prevent cardiovascular diseases by improving the structure and function of the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]