Speakers
Dr. Abraham Babu
The Manipal College of Health Professions, India
Dr. Abraham Samuel Babu is an Associate Professor in Physiotherapy at the Manipal College of Health Professions, MAHE, Manipal and is an Honorary Research Fellow position in the Department of Cardiology at Austin Health, University of Melbourne. He served on the WHO development group for rehabilitation interventions in ischemic heart disease, has been an Endeavor Fellow and an Emerging Leader of the WHF. He is part of international collaborative study groups and networks working on various aspects of cardiac rehabilitation, physical activity, and healthy living. He is the Young Ambassador to India for the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, is a member of the Heart Failure Association’s study group and is responsible for quality initiatives for the International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry of the ICCPR. He is actively involved in cardiac rehabilitation research and is part of various funded translational and clinical projects in pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Abstract
Exercise testing and training in pulmonary hypertension
Exercise intolerance is the hallmark of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The physiological mechanisms contributing to exercise intolerance have been explored. This has shown that certain systems and mechanisms could potentially be impacted through exercise training. This has resulted in greater emphasis on the need for exercise training in those with PH. Over the years, there has been a growth in the number of studies on exercise training in PH. The most recent guidelines have recommended exercise training for those with PH. Considering these recommendations, it is important to understand the physiological mechanisms, evaluation methods and prescription rationale for those with PH. It is also time to realise that those with PH should no longer be excluded from rehabilitation programs, but rather have the existing rehabilitation programs tailored to cater to their specific needs. Whether they should be treated under supervision or without supervision, is a question that remains to be answered. Irrespective of this, rehabilitation for PH can be effectively and safely given, provided, as is seen from the existing literature.