Home-Based Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure. Abstract, Executive Summaryand Final Report

摘要

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine the effects of a 3-month supervised home based aerobic and strength training program on functional status, physical fitness and quality of life in 0 patients with New York Heart Association Class II-III heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 23%). The mean age of this sample was 56 years, with 31 men and 9 women. Program adherence was excellent (95%). The authors found that while there were no statistically significant effects on physical fitness as measured by peak oxygen uptake and functional status as measured by the human activity profile, there were trends that suggest that given a larger sample size significant effects may be demonstrated with this program. While there were no statistically significant effects on physical fitness and self-rated functional status, arm strength and quality of life were improved. This program of exercise significantly reduced symptoms of dyspna and fatigue and improved emotional function and mastery. This study demonstrates that quality of life may be enhanced independent of changes in functional status and physical fitness although a larger sample size is needed to definitively answer this question.