Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2026

Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Exercise for Older People with Heart Failure and Frailty: Should We Even Try?
Sunanthiny Krishnan1, Amye C N Goddard2,3, Matthew Annals2,3
1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK.
Abstract:
The benefits of exercise in older patients with heart failure (HF) and frailty are twofold: (i) improvement in cardiopulmonary capacity, thus reducing HF-related sequelae; (ii) attenuation of decline in physical function, thus improving frailty status. Despite the clear benefits, exercise training (ET) remains underutilised as a treatment modality in this patient population. Guidelines on the specific type of exercise intervention best suited for this population are still lacking. In this review, we discuss (i) pathophysiology underlying exercise intolerance in patients with HF; (ii) impact of frailty on HF and exercise capacity; (iii) benefits and safety of ET; (iv) recommended ET programme for this population; (v) mode of delivery and (vi) potential barriers in the uptake of ET and strategies to overcome them. An effective ET intervention in this population warrants individualisation to patient's physical capacity, while addressing possible barriers to uptake so as to ensure sustained participation in the programme.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

