The right treatment for the right patient: utility of exergaming and medical yoga for heart failure patients

This invited commentary refers to ‘Effects of exergaming and yoga on exercise capacity, physical and mental health in heart failure patients: a randomized sub-study’ by L. Klompstra et al., https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjcn/zvae155. Regular physical activity and exercise are well-established management and treatment strategies for adults with heart failure,1 but there are several barriers to being active experienced by these patients.2 Identifying engaging and motivating strategies to promote these vulnerable populations to become active is necessary. To address this problem, Klompstra et al. 3 conducted a 3 month randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of exergaming (Nintendo Wii-Sport 5 days/week for 30 min), yoga (2 days/week for 1 h at a yoga centre), and an active control (received physical activity advice and support from a nurse or physiotherapist) among people with heart failure.3 Follow-ups were conducted 3, 6, and 12 month time points. While there were no between-group effects in any of their outcome measures, within-group effects demonstrated that exergaming and yoga improved exercise capacity (6 min walk test), fatigue, and shortness of breath. Exergaming also improved physical health-related quality of life, whereas yoga improved emotional health-related quality of life. The active control group improved their overall well-being at 3 months. This study demonstrates the potential for using exergaming and yoga as alternatives to conventional exercise prescriptions to improve symptoms of patients with heart failure.