Physical function and quality of life in older women with diastolic heart failure: effects of a progressive walking...

This preliminary study tested the effects of a home-based walking intervention on total sleep time (TST), nocturnal awakenings, depressive symptoms, physical function, and quality of life (QOL) in older women with diastolic heart failure (DHF). Twenty-three women (mean age, 68+/-11 years) with New York Heart Association class II or III DHF were randomized to either a 12-week home-based walking intervention (n=13) or education-only program (control, n=10). No between-group differences were found in women in the intervention and control groups on any of the outcome variables. When outcomes were compared within each group at baseline and 12 weeks, intervention-group patients had improvement in TST (P<.01) and heart failure-related QOL (P<.05) and a trend for decreased depressive symptoms (P<.07). Women randomized to the control group had no change in any outcomes. These preliminary findings suggest that a progressive walking program may improve TST and QOL in older women with DHF. Findings from this study support the need for larger studies to evaluate the long-term benefits of a walking program on sleep patterns, QOL, and psychologic function in this population.