AEROBIC EXERCISES IN HEART FAILURE - A REVIEW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of aerobic exercise training on the quality of life QoL,
morbidity, mortality of patients with Heart Failure (HF)
EBSCO Host, MedLine, Cochrane database, CINHAL, Ovid, AMED were the
databases searched, from 1999 to 2010 which was the peak era of implementation
of aerobic exercises for HF and other cardiac diseases.
The studies that involved aerobic exercise either in combination or alone were
included according to the criteria of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class
I-III HF patients. Randomized control trails (RTCs) and systematic reviews were
included in the study.
The screening of the papers was done by three review authors. The initial screening
was conducted by the first author followed by further selection by the
second and third.
10 articles met the inclusion criteria including 3 systematic reviews. 3647 participants
made one trial greater than the rest. The average age observed was from
30-82 years, where males were dominating in almost all studies. The review
reveals no statistical differences in the mortality and morbidity. There was no
individual effect of aerobic exercise on QoL whereas better results were
reviewed when performed in combination.
Aerobic exercises have improved the physiological function, aerobic capacity
and quality of life among the patients suffering with HF. However, these exercise
therapies were given in combination with resistance training but distinct
essence for