Abstract
Background. Left ventricular assist devices represent a significant advance in therapy of patients with end-stage heart failure. Early rehabilitation of patients implanted with left ventricular assist device is crucial and should be implemented as soon as possible. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and establish algorithm for early cardiac rehabilitation in patients with end-stage heart failure implanted with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD).
Methods. The study was designed as prospective, single center, observational study and included 68 patients who underwent early stage physiotherapy after CF-LVAD implantation in our institution in years 2017-2020. Therapeutic sessions took place in Intensive Care Unit and in Cardiac Surgery Unit. An algorithm of physiotherapeutic sessions included early mobilizations and transfers , breathing and circulatory exercises and finally training on a bicycle ergometer.
Results. The mean total hospitalization time of the studied group was 34.5 days. A significant statistical correlation between age and the result obtained in bicycle training was noted (p = 0.0007) as well as for the relationship between age and gaining independence (p = 0.03) and between time of first upstanding and total hospital stay (p = 0.001). We found no statistically significant correlations between BMI and the result obtained in the cycling training (p = 0.64).
Conclusions. In CF-LVAD recipients starting physical therapy as soon as possible is safe, effective and contributes to significant shortening of total hospital stay. Younger patients achieve better results in bicycle training and 6 minutes walking test.

Key words:
cardiac rehabilitation, continuous – flow left ventricular assist device, heart failure, mechanical circulatory support