Physical Exercise Improves The Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract

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

Correlação entre os testes da caminhada, marcha estacionária e TUG em hipertensas idosas

“…Several recent studies [2][3][4] have focused on evaluating and regaining functional capacity or preventing its decline, particularly in older adults 5,6 . The significant increase in the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases in older adults 7 , especially systemic hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP) which is closely associated with the decline in functional capacity 8,9 , has created the need to study evaluation methods for ADL performance.…”

The functional fitness capacity of adults with Down syndrome in South Africa

“…Clinical studies have shown that the majority of individuals with chronic heart disease have low functional capacity (Bocalini et al, 2008;Arena et al, 2007;Belardinelli et al, 2005Belardinelli et al, , 1997. Heart failure is characterised by the inability to increase oxygen supply adequately to skeletal muscles (Belardinelli et al, 1997).…”

“…Heart failure is characterised by the inability to increase oxygen supply adequately to skeletal muscles (Belardinelli et al, 1997). Practically, this illness causes impairment of functional capacity, physical performance, and the ability to perform daily activities and consequently affects quality of life (Bocalini et al, 2008). Brill (2004) Oeser et al (2005) showed that obesity is an independent contributor to impaired functional capacity.…”

“…shown that long term moderate exercise improves the functional capacity and quality of life in these individuals (Bocalini et al, 2008;Belardinelli et al, 2005;Belardinelli et al, 1997). Bocalini et al (2008) studied the effects of a 6 month training program in patients with HF (n=42).…”

“…Bocalini et al (2008) studied the effects of a 6 month training program in patients with HF (n=42). The program consisted of aerobic exercises, muscular training, agility and flexibility.…”