![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: To evaluate the exercise self-efficacy, physical capacity and symptom distress in females with mitral valve prolapse
Learning Objective 2: To understand regular exercise can play a role to improve physical functioning and symptom distress in this population.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease. It is likely to occur in young women. Most of these patients have a constellation of MVP symptom. There have been few investigations concerning the relationship between MVP symptom and physical capacity. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an exercise program on exercise self- efficacy, physical capacity and symptom distress in females with MVP.
Methods:
This study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Data was collected from 2008 to 2010. Forty- nine females with MVP agreed to participate and 35 subjects completed this study. They were randomized into either the exercise group (n= 17) or control group (n=18). The training program included 30 minutes treadmill exercise (60-70% maximal heart rates), 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The study instruments included Exercise Self-efficacy Questionnaire and MVP Symptom Checklist. Physical capacity for each subject was evaluated by a graded exercise test using the modified Bruce protocol on a General Electric Treadmill. Data were analyzed by Mann- Whitney U test, Spearman correlation, and generalized estimating equation.
Results:
On completion of the training program, the exercise participants reported significant improvement in exercise self-efficacy than that in the control group (χ2 = 6.28, p= .01). The exercise participants also exhibited a significant higher level of physical capacity than that in their counterparts (χ2 = 23.79, p< .001). Significant decline in symptom distress was also observed in the exercise group compared with the control group (χ2 = 3.71, p= .04).
Conclusion:
Regular exercise training can play an important role to improve exercise self- efficacy, physical capacity and symptom distress in female with MVP. An exercise program can be incorporated into a clinic care plan.