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Low intensity exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure
R Belardinelli1, D Georgiou, V Scocco
1Divisione di Cardiologia I, Ospedale Cardiologico G. M. Lancisi, Ancona, Italy.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Low intensity exercise training significantly improves exercise tolerance and functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. This improvement is linked to increased mitochondrial density in skeletal muscles, enhancing oxidative capacity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Previous research indicates exercise training enhances exercise tolerance in stable chronic heart failure patients via peripheral adaptations.
- Established protocols often utilize higher intensities (70-80% peak oxygen uptake) for over 8 weeks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a low-intensity exercise training program can improve exercise tolerance in chronic heart failure patients.
- To investigate the efficacy of a specific low-intensity regimen.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 27 patients with mild chronic heart failure was conducted.
- Participants were divided into a trained group (low-intensity exercise, 40% peak oxygen uptake, 3x/week for 8 weeks) and an untrained control group.
Main Results:
- The trained group showed significant increases in peak oxygen uptake (17%), lactic acidosis threshold (20%), and peak workload (21%).
- No significant changes were observed in cardiac output or stroke volume.
- A strong correlation was found between increased peak oxygen uptake and enhanced mitochondrial density in the vastus lateralis muscle (r=0.77).
Conclusions:
- Low-intensity exercise training can substantially improve functional capacity in patients with stable chronic heart failure.
- The primary mechanism involves increased mitochondrial density, indicating enhanced oxidative capacity in skeletal muscles.