Exercise and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Guidelines recommend that exercise training can beconsidered for medically stable outpatients with heart failure; thus, this study sought to determine the effect of exercise on quality of life in patients with heart failure.

Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study 160 patients were included and divided into 2 groups (n=80). Intervention group performed the exercise (poly striding), 30 minutes three times a week, for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the exercises have not been followed for six months; SF36 Questionnaire was filled to assess the quality of life for the individuals in both groups in three steps: before the intervention, and 3 and 6 months after. After completion of questionnaires, quality of life was compared between the two groups and all the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The mean ages of the intervention and control groups were 61.65±17.5 and 64.116±17.4 years, respectively. Control group had significant decrease in quality of life at different stages of the study. Quality of life was significantly better in the intervention group comparing to the control group three months after the intervention despite the lack of significant difference before the intervention and after 6 months.

Conclusion: Results showed a positive effect of exercise on quality of life in patients but the failures and lack of continuity did not improve the overall quality of life of patients as compared with their condition before the exercise. Overall, regular exercise is recommended for these patients.