Benefits of exercise training in the treatment of heart failure: study with a control group.

OBJECTIVE Exercise training programs have been proposed as adjuncts to treatment of heart failure. The effects of a 3-month-exercise-training-program with 3 exercise sessions per week were assessed in patients with stable systolic chronic heart failure. METHODS We studied 24 patients with final left ventricle diastolic diameter of 70+/-10mm and left ventricular ejection fraction of 37+/-4%. Mean age was 52+/-16 years. Twelve patients were assigned to an exercise training group (G1), and 12 patients were assigned to a control group (G2). Patients underwent treadmill testing, before and after exercise training, to assess distance walked, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and double product. RESULTS In G2 group, before and after 3 months, we observed, respectively distance walked, 623+/-553 and 561+/- 460m (ns); peak heart rate, 142+/-23 and 146+/- 33b/min (ns); systolic blood pressure, 154+/-36 and 164+/-26 mmHg (ns); and double product, 22211+/- 6454 and 24293+/-7373 (ns). In G1 group, before and after exercise, we observed: distance walked, 615+/-394 and 970+/- 537m (p<0.003) peak heart rate, 143+/-24 and 143+/-29b/min (ns); systolic blood pressure, 136+/-33 and 133+/-24 mmHg (ns); and double product, 19907+/- 7323 and 19115+/-5776, respectively. Comparing the groups, a significant difference existed regarding the variation in the double product, and in distance walked. CONCLUSION Exercise training programs in patients with heart failure can bring about an improvement in physical capacity.