EFFECTS OF AEROBIC TRAINING AND STRENGTHENING IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

Introduction: Exercise intolerance and dyspnea are the main symptoms of heart failure (HF). Objective: To evaluate the effects of a program of aerobic exercises and strengthening on cardiorespiratory fitness, maximum torque of knee flexors and extensors, and quality of life of patients with HF. Methods: Prospective, pre- and post-cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) study of seven patients, aged 61 +/- 6 years, functional class II and III and left ventricular ejection fraction 45.4 +/- 2.3%. The CVR program consisted of 24 sessions of 60 minutes with aerobic training in intensity of the anaerobic threshold (AT) and strengthening of the lower limbs using ankle weights of 3 to 5 kg. At the beginning and after CVR, the patients performed stress test, isokinetic dynamometry of the dominant knee and completed the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire. Results: After CVR, exercise time to reach AT was delayed (p=0.04) and there was a significant increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) (p<0.01), heart rate (HR) (p=0.04), pulse of oxygen (VO2/HR) (p=0.02) and ventilation (VE) (p=0.01) in the intensity of AT. There was an increase in maximum torque of knee extensor muscles (p=0.02) and significant improvement in the psychological domain (p=0.04) of the quality of life questionnaire. Conclusion: The CVR program was safe and resulted in improved performance of submaximal exercises, knee extensor muscles strength and quality of life of patients with HF.