A 6-month guided physical exercise program significantly improved all components of functional capacity and quality of life domains in patients with heart failure compared to an untrained control group.
RCT (n=42)
Randomized
No
p-value: p=<0.001
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on the functional capacity and quality of life in heart failure patients. METHODS: Forty-two patients of both sexes with heart failure of NYHA class II and III with different etiologies were randomly divided into untrained or trained groups. The six-month exercise program consisted of aerobic training, muscle strength training, agility and joint flexibility activities. Physical fitness was evaluated by testing the performance on these trained components. Quality of life was evaluated by scored answers to a standardized questionnaire involving multiple domains. RESULTS: Baseline values did not differ between groups. Improvement in the trained group was identified in all components of functional capacity when compared to the untrained group (p<0.001). Quality of life improved in the trained patients concerning physical, psychological, social and environmental domains (p<0.001), whereas no significant change was found in the untrained patients. CONCLUSIONS: Guided and monitored physical exercise is safe and has the potential to improve functional capacity and quality of life in heart failure patients with multiple etiologies.
Bocalini et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in Heart failure (NYHA class II and III) (n=42). Guided and monitored physical exercise vs. Untrained control (standard pharmacological therapy and dietary guidance) was evaluated on Functional capacity (aerobic resistance, muscle strength, agility, and joint flexibility) (p=<0.001). A 6-month guided physical exercise program significantly improved all components of functional capacity and quality of life domains in patients with heart failure compared to an untrained control group.