The Influence of Six Weeks of Exercise Training on Echocardiographic Right Ventricular Function in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease–Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Exercise training may improve RV function in adults with CHD-associated PH; however, evidence based on echocardiographic outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated the effect of six weeks of exercise training on TAPSE, lateral S′ velocity, and FAC. This single-arm pre–post study enrolled 13 adults with CHD-associated PH at the Integrated Heart Center, Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia. Participants completed supervised moderate-intensity exercise training twice weekly for six weeks. Echocardiographic RV-function parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Changes in TAPSE and lateral S′ velocity were analysed using paired t-tests, whereas FAC was analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. TAPSE increased numerically after training but was not statistically significant (1.90 ± 0.35 to 1.93 ± 0.45 cm; p = 0.783). Lateral S′ velocity also increased without statistical significance (11.92 ± 2.21 to 12.38 ± 2.98 cm/s; p = 0.495). In contrast, FAC increased significantly from 23% (range, 5–48%) to 34% (range, 13–47%; Z = −2.269, p = 0.023). Six weeks of structured exercise training was associated with improved RV function, predominantly through improved FAC. Exercise training may represent a useful adjunctive non-pharmacological strategy in the comprehensive management of adults with CHD-associated PH.