Bicycle exercise training for 4 months significantly improved maximal exercise capacity (6% vs -4%; P<0.01) and global quality-of-life compared to control in patients with stable heart failure.
RCT (n=54)
Does supervised exercise training improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with stable mild-to-moderate heart failure?
Supervised exercise training over 4 months safely improves exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with stable mild-to-moderate heart failure, particularly in men with ischemic etiology.
Absolute Event Rate: 6% vs -4%
p-value: p=< 0.01
AIMS: Benefit from exercise training in heart failure has mainly been shown in men with ischaemic disease. We aimed to examine the effects of exercise training in heart failure patients or = 65 years; 29% women; 24% non-ischaemic aetiology; training, n = 22; controls, n = 27). The exercise programme consisted of bicycle training at 80% of maximal intensity over a period of 4 months. Improvements vs controls were found regarding maximal exercise capacity (6 +/- 12 vs -4 +/- 12% mean +/- SD, P < 0.01) and global quality-of-life (2 1 vs 0 1 units median ¿inter-quartile range¿, P < 0.01), but not regarding maximal oxygen consumption or the dyspnoea-fatigue index. All of these four variables significantly improved in men with ischaemic aetiology compared with controls (n = 11). However, none of these variables improved in women with ischaemic aetiology (n = 5), or in patients with non-ischaemic aetiology (n = 6). The training response was independent of age, left ventricular systolic function, and maximal oxygen consumption. No training-related adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Supervised exercise training was safe and beneficial in heart failure patients < or = 75 years, especially in men with ischaemic aetiology. The effects of exercise training in women and patients with non-ischaemic aetiology should be further examined.
Ronnie Willenheimer (1998) conducted an RCT in stable mild-to-moderate heart failure (n=54). exercise training vs. control was evaluated on maximal exercise capacity (p=< 0.01). Bicycle exercise training for 4 months significantly improved maximal exercise capacity (6% vs -4%; P<0.01) and global quality-of-life compared to control in patients with stable heart failure.