1Meenakshi College of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
2Department of Oral Pathology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
3Department of Research, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
4Department of Pharmacology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research
Background: The pathogenic genetic variants that are linked with cardiomyopathy put one at risk of ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Nevertheless, it is still not clear how physical activity affects the clinical manifestation and disease progression in the carriers of the variants, and there is evidence of genotype-dependent risks and advantages.
Objective: To assess the association between the levels of physical activity and the cardiomyopathy associated clinical outcomes in adults who present with pathogenic or possibly pathogenic variants associated with hypertrophic, dilated or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Method: In this prospective cohort research, carriers of genetically confirmed variants completed validated questionnaires and wearable monitors in terms of standardized measurements of their activities. Clinical and cardiac imaging baselines were used and longitudinal clinical assessment. The main findings were the emergence of overt cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, heart failure progression, and device implantation after a five-year follow-up (median).
Results: All genotypes had moderate exercise levels which were correlated with a preservation of ventricular functioning and reduced progression rates of symptoms. Swift-intensity exercise, on the contrary, had heterogeneous impacts: carriers of arrhythmogenic types of cardiomyopathy variations showed increased arrhythmic event rates whereas hypertrophic and dilated carriers of cardiomyopathy had no significant negative outcomes. Total heart failure hospitalization was less among participants who participated in heart failure-guideline recommended intensity of activity.
Conclusion: Exercise has a genotype-specific effect on clinical outcome in carriers of cardiomyopathy variant. Moderate exercise seems to be protective and vigorous exercise can become an arrhythmic risk factor in certain groups. Personalized activity counselling should be used with this population.
Keywords: Physical activity, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, genetic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, exercise intensity
How to cite this article: Kumar KN, Jeyaseelan R, Sindhu S, Murali P, Kumar GD, Divya S. Physical Activity and Clinical Outcomes in Genetic Variant Carriers for Cardiomyopathy: A Cohort Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 196-201; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.29
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None