Online Personal Training in Patients With Marfan Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study of Its Impact on Quality of Life and Physical Capacity.

BACKGROUND

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder affecting the vascular and musculoskeletal systems. Limited knowledge exists regarding the exercise benefits for this population. This study aimed to explore the impact of a structured exercise program on the quality of life (QoL) and physical capabilities of patients with MFS.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

This was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial. Patients with MFS were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a training group or a control group. The trial included a 3-month online supervised training program. Seventy patients with MFS were compared with healthy subjects. They were randomized into a training group (MFS-T) and a control group (MFS-C). The training consisted of 2 supervised online sessions weekly for 3 months. The primary outcome was QoL, assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 questionnaire. Baseline QoL in all dimensions was lower in patients with MFS. Their peak oxygen uptake was 25% lower, and muscle elasticity was diminished compared with healthy subjects. Postintervention, significant improvements were observed in the MFS-T group relative to the MFS-C group: QoL (+20.2±14.3 versus +0.7±0.5), peak oxygen uptake (+34% versus +14%), muscle elasticity index (11.5±8.2 versus +1.2±1.7), reduced blood pressures during isometric squats (systolic -19±30 versus 0±6; diastolic -27±39 versus +2±15), and reduced pulse wave velocity at rest (-1.20±1.89 versus -0.40±1.61) and postexercise (-0.42±0.45 versus +0.08±0.48). The aortic diameter remained stable in both groups (MFS-T-0.19±1.1 versus MFS-C+0.11±0.78). After training, QoL remained lower in MFS-T than in healthy subjects, but peak oxygen uptake, pulse wave velocity at rest, and postexercise were similar to those of healthy subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-month online training program significantly enhanced QoL and cardiovascular/muscular metrics in patients with MFS without affecting aortic root diameter, suggesting its potential as part of a management strategy for MFS.

REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04553094.