The Effect of Eight Weeks of Home Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation Exercise on the Cardiac Performance of 40-60-Year-Old Patients with Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation can help improve the condition and quality of life of patients with heart failure. Some patients do not have the opportunity to use the rehabilitation services of clinics specifically designed to help them. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of eight weeks of home cardiorespiratory rehabilitation exercise on the cardiac performance of 40-60-year-old patients with heart failure. Methods: Forty-three subjects with heart failure were divided into three groups in a semi-empirical design: Rehabilitation (n = 13), rehabilitation exercise with respiratory exercise (n = 15), and control (n = 15). Resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure at rest, ejection fraction, ventilatory threshold, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were measured before and after the test. Results: The results indicated no significant effect of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation exercise on the patients' resting heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and ventilatory threshold (P > 0.05). However, the respiratory exercise significantly increased the injection fraction and VO2 max. Conclusions: Exercises that can reinforce respiratory muscles can further help patients with heart failure, at least in some cases. More intense and controlled exercises than home exercises may be required to improve cardiovascular performance.