Investigating the Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity and Associated Variables in Individuals With Heart Failure

To investigate the relationship of upper extremity exercise capacity (UEEC) with activities of daily living (ADL), handgrip strength, handgrip endurance, and anthropometric and clinical characteristics in patients with heart failure (HF).

In 48 patients with HF and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, we evaluated UEEC, handgrip strength and endurance, and AD using the 6-minute pegboard ring test (6PBRT), a hydraulic hand dynamometer, and the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale, respectively.

Clinical characteristics were similar between patients with HF (mean age 63.21 ± 8.55 years, 42% female) and healthy controls (mean age 60.16 ± 8.64 years, 54 % female, P > .05). Patients with HF had significantly reduced 6PBRT scores (Cohen's d = - 1.906), handgrip strength (Cohen's d = - 0.595), and handgrip endurance (Cohen's d = - 1.791), as well as higher LCADL scores (Cohen's d = 1.628) compared to healthy controls ( P < .05). The 6PBRT score showed strong positive correlation with handgrip endurance (r = 0.595, P < .001) and moderate positive correlation with total work capacity (r = 0.497, P < .001). The LCADL %total revealed a moderate negative correlation with handgrip strength (r = - 0.495, P < .001) and total work capacity (r = - 0.493, P < .001) and a moderate positive correlation with body mass index (r = 0.477, P  = .001) in patients with HF. Performance of ADL was not correlated to 6PBRT score in patients with HF. Also, the diagnosis of HF and handgrip endurance were the strongest predictors for 6PBRT score ( P < .05).

Patients with HF exhibited a clinically significant decrease in their UEEC. Based on our findings, this decline is likely associated with handgrip endurance.