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Published on: October 1, 2019
Autonomic function change following a supervised exercise program in patients with congestive heart failure
Diana Keyhani1, Mehdi Kargarfard, Nizal Sarrafzadegan
1School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
ARYA Atherosclerosis
|May 22, 2013
Summary
Supervised exercise training improved autonomic function and functional capacity in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. This 8-week program demonstrated significant benefits for heart rate recovery and blood pressure regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Autonomic function changes post-training are understudied in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients.
- Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a critical prognostic indicator in coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Limited research exists on exercise's impact on autonomic markers in CHF populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of an 8-week supervised exercise training program on autonomic function in CHF patients.
- To assess changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate-pressure product (RPP) following exercise intervention.
- To determine the impact of exercise on functional capacity and autonomic markers in CHF.
Main Methods:
- 65 CHF patients (aged 57-82) were randomized into exercise or control groups.
- The exercise group underwent 8 weeks of supervised aerobic training (3x/week, 30-45 min/session).
- Measurements included body mass index, functional capacity, resting and peak heart rate, HRR, resting and peak SBP, and RPP.
Main Results:
- The exercise group showed significant improvements in body mass index, resting heart rate, HRR, and functional capacity compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05).
- Statistically significant differences were observed in peak heart rate, peak systolic blood pressure, and peak RPP post-intervention.
- ANOVA revealed significant positive changes in key autonomic and functional parameters within the exercise cohort.
Conclusions:
- Supervised exercise training within a multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program significantly enhances autonomic function in CHF patients.
- The findings indicate that guided exercise programs are safe and effective for improving functional capacity and autonomic regulation in CHF patients.
- Exercise interventions offer substantial benefits for CHF patients across various etiologies.
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