A study to evaluate the effectiveness of an indigenous exercise protocol in patients with heart failure to improve their quality of life: (Exercise in congestive heart failure study [E - CHF study])

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by an intolerance to activities of daily living, office environment and shortness of breath in any level of extraneous activity depending on their level of heart failure (HF). This significantly contributes to reduced participation and poor...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Urvashi, Kamlesh K Sharma, Vishwa Prakash Gupta, Sandeep Seth
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
Series:Journal of the Practice of Cardiovascular Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.j-pcs.org/article.asp?issn=2395-5414;year=2015;volume=1;issue=1;spage=39;epage=44;aulast=Sharma
Description
Summary:Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by an intolerance to activities of daily living, office environment and shortness of breath in any level of extraneous activity depending on their level of heart failure (HF). This significantly contributes to reduced participation and poor quality of life (QoL) among these patients. Methods: The study was conducted from June 2014 to December 2014 in Cardio-Neuro-Centre, OPD, AIIMS, New Delhi on 40 medically stable CHF outpatients (mean age 46.3±11.4 years) in NYHA class -I & II with 3 month follow-up. IEP (Indigenous Exercise Protocol) training, consisting of one supervised session at baseline visit followed by home-based practice and telephonic encouragement and monitoring of the group was given. Outcome measures were QoL, physiological parameters (6 minute walk test - distance, VO2 max and double product) and frequency of hospitalization. Results: The results showed significant difference between QoL (P < 0.02) as measured by KCCQ, mean walking distance on the 6 minute walk test (P < 0.01) and VO2 max (P < 0.01) at entry and after 12 weeks within the experimental group, but compared to the control group, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Two hospitalizations and one death were reported in the control group, whereas none was reported in the experimental group. Conclusion: IEP was effective in achieving adequate exercise tolerance in experimental group. It showed no deleterious effect and is safe to practice at home, but more evidence is needed to consider using IEP when caring for stable heart failure patient.
ISSN:2395-5414
2454-2830