Healthy Heart Amputation Rehabilitation Treatment (H.A.R.T)

Study Summary

In the VA, we are achieving progress in decreasing amputation rates through early identification and multidisciplinary treatment of patients at risk for limb loss. Despite these accomplishments, however, clinical outcomes post-amputation, especially for PVD patients, have changed little because of patients' poor cardiovascular condition complicated by the injurious consequences of imposed inactivity begun in the preoperative period and continuing through convalescence. If not aggressively managed throughout all phases of recovery, these problems quickly render patients, already at risk, incapable of the rigors of rehabilitation as well as lead to reamputation, rehabilitation failure, and secondary complications. In our research, we are trying to transform this clinical scenario by applying what has succeeded in cardiac rehabilitation to services provided to amputees. In a series of studies, we are studying how to incorporate secondary CV risk factor modification and aggressive exercise interventions into conventional amputation rehabilitation through a program that we have named Healthy Heart Amputation Rehabilitation Therapy (Healthy H.A.R.T.). Our goal is to better: 1) increase aerobic capacity and promote rehabilitation achievements and quality of life, and 2) prevent postoperative complications and curtail further peripheral vascular deterioration through interventions found successful in cardiac rehabilitation. The basic assumption of this study will be that cardiovascular status and, thus, aerobic capacity is a most critical factor for rehabilitation success.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• PROCEDURE Amputation Prevention

Study Locations (1)