YOGA AND BREATHING TRAINING IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE AND PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) commonly causes physical limitations and inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW).
• Yoga is recognized for its cardiovascular and respiratory health benefits.
• The impact of yoga and specific breathing techniques on HFpEF patients remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of an 8-week yoga and breathing techniques program on HFpEF patients.
• To evaluate changes in inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, autonomic nervous system function, natriuretic peptides, diastolic function, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, randomized, outcome-blinded, parallel-group, non-inferiority trial involving 32 HFpEF patients (age 45-75).
• Participants were allocated to a yoga group (Y, n=11), breathing techniques group (BT, n=11), or a control group (C, n=10).
• Data were analyzed using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model.

Main Results:

• Yoga training significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength (Pth_max) by 44.1% compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
• Breathing techniques led to increased heart rate variability (HRV) (p < 0.05).
• No significant improvements were observed in maximal inspiratory pressure (PI_max), functional capacity, or diastolic function parameters.

Conclusions:

• Yoga training is a feasible intervention for HFpEF patients, effectively enhancing respiratory muscle strength.
• Breathing techniques show potential for improving autonomic function in HFpEF.
• Further research is warranted to explore potential benefits on functional parameters in HFpEF.