The impact of the getting into light exercise for heart failure (GENTLE-HF) randomized controlled trial on physical-psychological outcomes and exercise adherence

Background

Few investigators have tested the effect of alternative, gentle exercise interventions among patients with stable heart failure (HF).

Objectives

In a 6-month online gentle exercise vs education only intervention program, we evaluated: 1) Change in physical and psychological function; 2) whether age or sex moderates the efficacy of the intervention on physical function; 3) the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and exercise adherence.

Methods

Data from the GEtting iNTo Light Exercise for HF (GENTLE-HF) randomized controlled trial (n = 61) was analyzed. Measures included physical function, psychological function, QOL, and exercise adherence. ANCOVA-approach general linear models were used to examine physical and psychological function, adjusting for age, years of education, baseline scores, and grouping (control or intervention). The moderating effects of age and sex were tested by incorporating interaction terms into the ANCOVA-based models. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between QOL and adherence.

Results

Compared to control, the intervention group had improved upper body strength (p = .004), lower body strength (p = .002), and endurance (p = .003). Age moderated the effect of the intervention on upper body strength (p = .012) and endurance (p = .028). Exercise adherence was high at 84.4 %. Greater QOL was associated with higher adherence (p = .039).

Conclusions

The online yoga intervention led to improved physical function, had an additional positive effect for participants over 65 years, and had high adherence rates. These findings can inform future large-scale yoga studies that may influence future study designs and supplement physical activity guidelines, ultimately improving patient outcomes.