Effects of exercise training on aerobic capacity and quality of life in individuals with heart failure.

Collins E, Langbein WE, Dilan-Koetje J, Bammert C, Hanson K, Reda D, Edwards L. Effects of exercise training on aerobic capacity and quality of life in individuals with heart failure. Heart & lung : the journal of critical care. 2004 May 1; 33(3):154-61.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• NRI 95-213 – Exercise Effect on Aerobic Capacity and QOL in Heart Failure

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Abstract:

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether subjects with chronic heart failure, who completed a 12-week rehabilitation program, would have significantly greater quality of life, better aerobic fitness, less difficulty with symptoms of heart failure, greater self-efficacy for exercise, and higher daily activity levels when compared with subjects in a control group. METHODS: Thirty-one males, aged 64 +/- 10 years with left ventricular ejection fraction of 29 +/- 7%, were randomized to a moderate intensity supervised aerobic exercise program (n = 15) or a control group (n = 16). Twenty-seven subjects completed at least 1 follow-up assessment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks there were significant differences in the change scores for perceived physical function (using RAND Corporation's 36-item short form) (P = .025) and peak oxygen uptake (P = .019) between the exercise and control groups with the exercise group experiencing improved physical function and fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training in adults with heart failure increases exercise tolerance and perceived physical function. Improved heart failure symptoms, self-efficacy for exercise, or increased physical activity may not be associated with enhancement of exercise tolerance.