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Investigating the Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity and Associated Variables in Individuals With Heart Failure
Habibe Durdu1,2, Ertan Aydin1,2
1Author Affiliations: Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Giresun University, Vocational School of Health Services, Giresun, Turkey (Dr Durdu).
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Patients with heart failure (HF) show significantly reduced upper extremity exercise capacity (UEEC), strongly linked to handgrip endurance. This decline impacts daily activities and overall function in HF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a complex condition affecting cardiovascular function and overall physical capacity.
- Upper extremity exercise capacity (UEEC) is a crucial determinant of functional status in patients with chronic diseases.
- Understanding factors influencing UEEC in HF is vital for effective rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between upper extremity exercise capacity (UEEC) and activities of daily living (ADL).
- To examine the association of UEEC with handgrip strength, handgrip endurance, and anthropometric/clinical characteristics in heart failure (HF) patients.
- To compare UEEC and related parameters between HF patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated UEEC using the 6-minute pegboard ring test (6PBRT) in 48 HF patients and 50 healthy controls.
- Assessed handgrip strength and endurance via a hydraulic hand dynamometer.
- Measured activities of daily living (ADL) using the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale.
Main Results:
- HF patients demonstrated significantly lower UEEC (6PBRT scores), handgrip strength, and handgrip endurance compared to controls.
- HF patients reported higher difficulty in ADL (LCADL scores).
- UEEC (6PBRT) strongly correlated with handgrip endurance and total work capacity; ADL difficulties (LCADL) negatively correlated with handgrip strength and work capacity.
Conclusions:
- Patients with heart failure exhibit a clinically significant reduction in upper extremity exercise capacity.
- This decline in UEEC is strongly associated with diminished handgrip endurance.
- Handgrip endurance emerges as a key predictor of UEEC in heart failure patients.
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