Benefits of exercise training in the treatment of heart failure: study with a control group

Exercise training programs have been proposed as adjuncts to treatment of heart failure. The effects of a 3-month-exercise-training-program with 3 exercise sessions per week were assessed in patients with stable systolic chronic heart failure.

We studied 24 patients with final left ventricle diastolic diameter of 70+/-10mm and left ventricular ejection fraction of 37+/-4%. Mean age was 52+/-16 years. Twelve patients were assigned to an exercise training group (G1), and 12 patients were assigned to a control group (G2). Patients underwent treadmill testing, before and after exercise training, to assess distance walked, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and double product.

In G2 group, before and after 3 months, we observed, respectively distance walked, 623+/-553 and 561+/- 460m (ns); peak heart rate, 142+/-23 and 146+/- 33b/min (ns); systolic blood pressure, 154+/-36 and 164+/-26 mmHg (ns); and double product, 22211+/- 6454 and 24293+/-7373 (ns). In G1 group, before and after exercise, we observed: distance walked, 615+/-394 and 970+/- 537m (p<0.003) peak heart rate, 143+/-24 and 143+/-29b/min (ns); systolic blood pressure, 136+/-33 and 133+/-24 mmHg (ns); and double product, 19907+/- 7323 and 19115+/-5776, respectively. Comparing the groups, a significant difference existed regarding the variation in the double product, and in distance walked.

Exercise training programs in patients with heart failure can bring about an improvement in physical capacity.