Determinants of maximal exercise performance in chronic heart failure

Abstract

Muscle strength and muscle endurance, combined with quadriceps muscle area are the main predictors of maximal exercise performance in patients with CHF.

The effect of physical training on workload, upper leg muscle function and muscle areas in patients with chronic heart failure

“…Nearly 60% of the variance of maximal workload is explained in the model that describes maximal workload as dependent variable of upper leg muscle function and quadriceps muscle area before intervention (multiple regression analysis) [12]. The same regression analysis after intervention showed that this model (Fig.…”

“…For statistical analysis, we constructed a new variable that represents the combination of skeletal muscle strength and endurance of the upper leg: upper leg muscle function (ULMF) [12]. ULMF is computed from the sum of total extension peak torque (TEPT), total flexion peak torque (TFPT), total extension total work (TETW), and total flexion total work (TFTW) divided by 4: (TEPT+TFPT+ TETW+TFTW)/4.…”

“…In a previous study we reported that almost 60% of the variance of maximum workload (as measure of exercise performance) in CHF could be ascribed to quadriceps muscle area, as measured by CT scan, and upper leg muscle function (a composite variable of isokinetic strength and endurance) [12].…”

Hydrotherapy on exercise capacity, muscle strength and quality of life in patients with heart failure: A meta-analysis

“…Quadriceps mass and strength are related to maximal exercise capacity in HF [19]. Moreover, changes in muscle performance with exercise training have been demonstrated to be related to changes in physical function [20] and quality of life [21].…”

Electrical Stimulation of Skeletal Muscles An Alternative to Aerobic Exercise Training in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure?

“…1,2) Several studies have reported a strong increase of sympathetic activity, the onset of peripheral vascular remodeling, and skeletal muscle metabolic alterations in response to exercise. [3][4][5][6][7] Histochemical analyses have demonstrated extensive mitochondrial damage resulting in depressed activity of the oxidative enzymes. [8][9][10] An important contributor to the decondition in CHF is physical inactivity and, since exercise training has been shown to improve functional capacity, quality of life as well as muscle strength should be considered as an integral part of the therapy in such patients.…”