Heart rate autonomic responses during deep breathing and walking in hospitalised patients with chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effect of physiotherapy (deep breathing exercises and walking) on heart rate variability in patients hospitalised with chronic heart failure (CHF). DESIGN: Ten males with CHF (57 ± 7 years) and 10 healthy controls (59 ± 9 years) were included. Heart rate and RR intervals were recorded in the following conditions: supine, seated, during deep breathing exercises and during and after walking. Heart rate variability was analysed by linear and non-linear methods (α2, Mean HR, rMSSD, SDNN and ApEn). RESULTS: Patients presented significantly lower SDNN (12.4 ± 4 versus 26 ± 8 ms), rMSSD (18.2 ± 16.2 versus 25 ± 19.5 ms) and ApEn (9.9 ± 10 versus 16.68 ± 22.6) during the walking compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, mean HR was significantly higher during and after walking for patients with CHF compared to controls (103 ± 8 versus 80 ± 2 bpm and 90 ± 9 versus 68 ± 2 bpm, respectively). Patients with CHF demonstrated a significant reduction of α2 during deep breathing (0.78 ± 0.1) when compared to the seated position (1.08 ± 0.1) and walking (1.15 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). Additionally, rMSSD index increased during deep breathing when compared to walking in both groups. CONCLUSION: Deep breathing exercises and walking are safe and promote beneficial effects on heart rate variability in patients hospitalised for CHF.