EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN PATIENTS AFTER CARDIAC TRANSPLANTATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize the main scientific evidences related to the effects of different protocols of therapy by exercise in patients submitted to cardiac transplantation. Methodology: The research was carried out from the databases MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid from 2000 until October 1, 2016, the accumulated index of the literature for nurses and other health professionals (CINAHL), LILACS and Cochrane Central of controlled studies), using the descriptors: heart transplantation, exercise, physiotherapy, physical therapy and physical activity, and no language restriction was imposed for the research, and only the studies developed in the last 16 years were used. Results: 67 articles were found in the initial search. From the 8 articles selected, it was verified that the exercise improved the capacity and the physical performance of individuals in the postoperative period of heart transplant surgeries. Conclusion: Evidence indicates that exercise under the supervision of the professional physiotherapist showed beneficial effects in the rehabilitation of individuals who are in the period after cardiac transplantation.