
Abraham Samuel Babu- PhD, PT
- Professor (Associate) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Abraham Samuel Babu
- PhD, PT
- Professor (Associate) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
About
170
Publications
93,355
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Introduction
I am involved in undergraduate, postgraduate and Doctoral training programs. I work in cardiac rehabilitation focusing on heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in both clinical, implementation and translational settings. I currently serve as the Vice-Chair of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation (ICCPR). I am also part of WHO's World Rehabilitation Alliance - Workforce Workstream and the Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) network.
Current institution
Additional affiliations
September 2016 - present
November 2017 - December 2023
August 2017 - March 2022
Education
March 2011 - August 2017
December 2010 - December 2010
Hong Kong College of Cardiology
Field of study
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
August 2008 - June 2010
Publications
Publications (170)
Purpose:
Given that previous reviews on exercise training in pulmonary hypertension (PH) were largely based on a small number of randomized controlled trials (RCT), their conclusions are subject to bias. This review sought to identify the impact of exercise training on functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PH using adva...
Aims
Women are under-represented in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), especially in lower-income settings. This study tested Technology-bAsed Cardiac rehabilitation Therapy (TaCT) on functional capacity, risk factors, quality of life (QoL; MacNew), heart-health behaviours (e.g. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), cardiac symptoms (e.g. angina), and...
Purpose
Exercise training in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been gaining popularity with guidelines now recommending it as an important adjunct to medical therapy. Despite improvements in function and quality of life, an understanding of metabolic changes and their mechanisms remain unexplored. The objective of this study was therefore t...
Background
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains greatly underutilized, especially in low-middle income countries (LMIC). It is therefore important to explore factors that contribute to this, as perceived by healthcare professionals (HCPs).
Research design and methods
This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews that enrolled 18 HCPs (i.e....
Background:
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a debilitating condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and progressive vascular remodelling, leading to exercise intolerance. The progression of PAH is regulated at a cellular and molecular level which influences various physiological processes. Exercise plays an important role in...
Background The evidence and infrastructure needed to access and deliver cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services are absent or lacking in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), resulting in a substantial loss of potential health and socio-economic benefits. Home-based programmes provide an affordable model of delivery that can leverage a scalable inc...
Background
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular disease characterised by restricted flow and high pressure through the pulmonary arteries, leading to progressive right heart failure and death. This study reports the global burden of PAH, leveraging all available data and using methodology of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, a...
Objective. In low- and middle-income countries, heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death and disability. Materials and methods. A feasibility study was conducted to assess the fidelity, reach, and adoption of an educational program led by non-medical staff to improve outpatient care for patients hospitalized with HF in the local public heal...
Purpose: This study aimed to understand factors that health professionals, from a variety of healthcare contexts and countries, believed support remote delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR); and to develop a targeted intervention to support implementation of remote PR. Methods: A 3-phase participatory action-research process was employed, acros...
Up-to-date estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks and their trends at global, regional, and national levels are essential for evidence-based health care, prevention, and resource allocation planning. We aimed to provide such estimates for the period 1990–2021. We estimated incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-year (...
Background: Up-to-date estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks and their trends at global, regional, and national levels are essential for evidence-based health care, prevention, and resource allocation planning. We aimed to provide such estimates for the period 1990–2021.
Methods: We estimated incidence, prevalence, death, and disabilit...
Background: The Australian population aged 70 and above is increasing and imposing new challenges for policy makers and providers to deliver accessible, appropriate and affordable health care. We examine pre-COVID patterns of health loss between 1990 and 2019 to inform policies and practices.
Methods: Using the standardised methodology framework an...
Background Detailed, comprehensive, and timely reporting on population health by underlying causes of disability and premature death is crucial to understanding and responding to complex patterns of disease and injury burden over time and across age groups, sexes, and locations. The availability of disease burden estimates can promote evidence-base...
Background
Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important follow...
Background
Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of D...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38092509/#full-view-affiliation-41
Background:
Despite the epidemic of cardiovascular disease and the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), availability is known to be insufficient. However, this had not been quantified before the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation’s (ICCPR) Global Audit. This presentation will summarize the results of the Globa...
Background: Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) is a Level 1, Class A standard for comprehensive secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Despite well-established benefits, CVR delivery is lacking across the world. Reasons for this dearth have been studied globally, with one of the main issues being lack of programs in low-resource settings...
Background
Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CR...
Background
Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CR...
Summary
Background
Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burd...
Women are underrepresented in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) despite the benefits, and this is exacerbated in lower‐resource settings where CR is insufficiently available. In this randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of the Technology‐based Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Therapy (TaCT) electronic cardiac rehabilitation (eCR) interventi...
Objective: Heart Failure (HF) is emerging as a crucial factor promoting muscle wasting and dysfunction contributing to sarcopenia. This modulates disease severity and reduces exercise capacity and leading to poorer outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to systematically investigate the overall prevalence of sarcopenia in HF. Methods: An electronic search w...
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in these patients, and yet clinicians are often challenged to prescribe the most effective type of exercise training. Therefore, this systematic review and network meta-analy...
With the acute burden of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) winding down in many parts of the world, there is an increased appreciation for those living with COVID-19 sequelae. Clavario and colleagues 1 found almost a third of COVID-19 survivors with functional limitations identified from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). This illustrates the...
Cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice: implementation report
A recent EAPC report has been published on the implementation of ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice across 13 European countries, highlighting changes between 2011 and 2021. The report discusses remaining and newly perceived issues...
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a multi-morbid chronic condition, which adversely affects the quality of life of the affected individual. Engaging the patient and their caregivers in self-care is known to reduce mortality, rehospitalisation and improve quality of life among HF patients. The PACT-HF trial will answer whether clinical benefits in t...
We have been amid unhealthy living and related chronic disease pandemics for several decades. These longstanding crises have troublingly synergized with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The need to establish research priorities in response to COVID-19 can be used to address broad health and wellbeing, social and economic impacts fo...
Purpose: The International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) developed an online Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Foundations Certification (CRFC; https://globalcardiacrehab.com/Certification) in October 2017, to build cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery capacity in low-resource settings based on their guidelines. Herein...
Introduction: Heart Failure (HF) is known to hasten muscle wasting, leading to sarcopenia, which is also associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The implication of sarcopenia on function as well as mobility in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients is yet to be determined. We aimed to assess sarcopenia and its assoc...
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are recommended standard-of-care by all major cardiovascular medicine professional organizations. Exercise training is the cornerstone for CR, with aerobic training being the primary form of training. The benefits of exercise training are multiple; however, improved cardiorespiratory fitness is of utmost importa...
Traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) have long been the focus of preventive strategies. The impact of family stress, depression, anxiety, hostility, pessimism, job strain, social isolation, lack of purpose in life and social support, are well recognized risks for CVD development, however they are under-appreciated in clinical p...
Introduction: The International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) is developing a registry (ICRR) specifically for low-resource settings, where the burden of cardiovascular diseases is greatest and the need for program development highest. Herein we describe the development process, including the variable selection pro...
Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in low-resource settings, while existing behavioural models of physical activity behaviour are often linear and deterministic. The objective of this review was to (i) synthesise the wide scope of factors that affect physical activity and thereby (ii) underpin the complexity of physical activity i...
Background:
The aims of this study were to establish cardiac rehabilitation (CR) availability and density, as well as the nature of programs in South-East Asian Region (SEAR) countries, and to compare this with other regions globally.
Methods:
In 2016/2017, the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation engaged cardiac...
Background:
We investigated impacts of COVID-19 on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery around the globe, including virtual delivery, as well as effects on providers and patients.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, a piloted survey was administered to CR programs globally via REDCap from April to June 2020. The 50 members of the Internation...
Purpose: To estimate the levels of physical activity (PA) in community-dwelling adults with stroke and to correlate it with the quality of life (QoL).
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, adults with chronic stroke were assessed for PA using Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) and an accelerometer (Actigraph...
Purpose:
Cardiac rehabilitation is an important intervention for patients with heart failure. However, its clinical application in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains underutilized with limited research available. An assessment of current research in this area will help guide future investigations. The aim of this review is to summari...
COVID-19 is one of the biggest health crises that the world has seen. Whilst measures to abate transmission and infection are ongoing, there continues to be growing numbers of patients requiring chronic support, which is already putting a strain on health care systems around the world and which may do so for years to come. A legacy of COVID-19 will...
We continue to increase our cognizance and recognition of the importance of healthy living (HL) behaviors and HL medicine (HLM) to prevent and treat chronic disease. The continually unfolding events precipitated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have further highlighted the importance of HL behaviors, as indicated by the character...
Background
Post-operative pulmonary complications are common after exploratory laparotomy. Good abdominal muscle functioning is essential for forced exhalation and effective coughing. However, the impact of a laparotomy on abdominal muscle activity remains uncertain. The study aimed to assess abdominal muscle activity during forced exhalation follo...
Objective: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) represents a proportion of visceral fat distributed around the heart. Measurement of EAT thickness is important for the diagnosis of visceral obesity. Skinfold thickness has been used in both clinical and research settings for visceral obesity diagnosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation...
Background
To investigate impacts of COVID-19 on CR delivery around the globe, including effects on providers and patients.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a piloted survey was administered to CR programs globally via REDCap from April-June/2020. The 50 members of the ICCPR and personal contacts facilitated program identification.
Results...
Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving skill performed during the cardiac arrest. Various factors of rescuer affect CPR quality, and rescuers physical fitness is one among the important factors needs to be explored for improved CPR quality. This study aimed to assess the physical activity (PA) levels of the health care prov...
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is underutilised across the world and India. The use of simple algorithms is one way to facilitate CR, however, these algorithms need to be feasible to use across low resource settings. The objectives were to assess the feasibility of a CR algorithm following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary sy...
Purpose:
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a recommendation in international clinical practice guidelines given its benefits; however, use is suboptimal. The purpose of this position statement was to translate evidence on interventions that increase CR enrollment and adherence into implementable recommendations.
Methods:
The writing panel was const...
Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for comprehensive secondary prevention. While India has a high burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), availability and nature of services delivered there is unknown. In this study, we undertook secondary analysis of the Indian data from the global CR audit and...
Background:
Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a recommendation in international clinical practice guidelines given its' benefits, however use is suboptimal. The purpose of this position statement was to translate evidence on interventions that increase CR enrolment and adherence into implementable recommendations.
Methods:
The writing panel was con...
highlights the findings and application of Cochrane reviews and other evidence pertinent to the practice of physical therapy. The Cochrane Library is a respected source of reliable evidence related to health care. Cochrane systematic reviews explore the evidence for and against the effectiveness and appropriateness of interventions— medications, su...
Background
Despite the epidemic of cardiovascular disease and the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), availability
is known to be insufficient, although this is not quantified. This study ascertained CR availability, volumes
and its drivers, and density.
Methods
A survey was administered to CR programs globally. Cardiac associations and local...
Background:
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a clinically-effective but complex model of care. The purpose of this study was to characterize the nature of CR programs around the world, in relation to guideline recommendations, and compare this by World Health Organization (WHO) region.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, a piloted survey was a...
Objective
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) availability, programme characteristics and barriers are not well-known in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). In this study, they were compared with high-income countries (HICs) and by CR funding source.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was administered to CR programmes globally. Need for CR was compu...
Unplanned hospital readmissions are the most important, preventable cost in heart failure (HF) health economics. Current professional guidelines recommend that patient self-care is an important means by which to reduce this burden. Patients with HF should be engaged in their care such as by detecting, monitoring, and managing their symptoms. A vari...
Objectives: To assess the effects of home-based exercise training (HBET) on function and quality of life (QoL) in PH.
Methods: A prospective, non-blinded, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 84, medically stable patients with PH belonging to any functional class or etiology and of either sex. Patients were randomized to either standard ca...
Introduction: Exercise intolerance is a common and often significant limitation in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This intolerance greatly affects the quality of life and function of the individual with PAH, irrespective of its etiology. In PAH associated with connective tissue disorders (PAH-CTD), exercise intolerance is further amplified...
A patient’s physical activity (PA) level is quite clinically significant in identifying sedentary behavior and associated cardiovascular risk. Although PA level may be related to many disorders, chronic metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is more significant than others when measuring for cardiovascular risk in the Indian popu...
Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and physical activity (PA) form the cornerstone of management of prediabetes. Among these interventions, PA promotion has been gaining popularity and has been used with a variety of clinical populations. However, limited literature is available on the effects of a PA promotion program on prediabetes...
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic, debilitating condition which gravely affects exercise tolerance and quality of life. Though most therapies focus purely on medical intervention, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest the role and benefits of exercise training. This chapter discusses the various physiological basis for exercise into...
Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex disease resulting in severe limitation to exercise performance because of dyspnea and fatigue. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a commonly used exercise test in the evaluation of patients with PH. Despite the use of the absolute distance covered, recently there has been a focus on the derived...
Introduction: Eisenmenger’s syndrome is a major finding in low resource settings like India where valvular heart diseases are diagnosed late.
Purpose: To assess the effects of a 12 week home based exercise program on function and quality of life among patients with Eisenmenger’s syndrome.
Design:This is a secondary analysis from a randomized cont...
Few data are available regarding the influence of body phenotype on systemic hypertension (SH) and whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) attenuates this relation. We tested the hypothesis that obesity phenotypes and CRF would predict incident hypertension, evaluating 3800 Korean men who participated in 2 health examinations between 1998 and 2009....
Clinical trials registration has been advocated for improving transparency and reducing publication bias in clinical trials. Prospective registration of clinical trial in Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI) is a mandatory requirement in India and it is the obligation of every researcher and institution to ensure that all clinical trials in their i...
Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) initiates an inter-professional and inter-disciplinary approach to bring the patient back to health with normal or near normal function. Physiotherapists play a vital role in restoring function to the patient. The role of physiotherapy (PT) in the ICU has moved from primarily being one of only respiratory c...
Objective:
1. Identify studies analysing complementary roles of herbal medicine and exercise intervention in CVD prevention and management, 2. Identify herbs and exercise strategies that have been reported to exhibit complementary roles in CVD prevention and management, and 3. Summarize evidence of complementary roles of herbal medicine and exerci...
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Herbal medicine and exercise interventions have individually been shown to be effective in the prevention and management of CVD. However, the complementary roles of herbal medicine and exercise interventions for CVD prevention and management have not been adequately reported. Thi...
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
A total of 125 patients were retrospectively analyzed. AF was diagnosed using standard clinical criteria, and PLR was calculated as the r...
The effectiveness of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) following an acute
coronary syndrome (ACS) is well established. However, ACS complicated by an
orthopedic limitation, poses greater challenges to early mobilization. Thus, there is
a need for an alternative rehabilitation approach to improving exercise capacity and
in preventing and re...
Questions
Question (1)