Effects of exercise training on physical activity in heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices or implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Abstract

Objective: This study elucidated the effects of exercise training on physical activity, 6-min walk distance, and all-cause hospitalization rates in patients with chronic heart failure, and evaluated factors contributing to changes in physical activity. Design: Prospective cohort observational study. Patients and methods: Patients (n =62) who completed an exercise training programme after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy treatment between May 2017 and May 2018 were included. Patients exercised for 20–50 min 3–5 times weekly for 3 months and were assigned to the active (≥ 10 min/day) or non-active (< 10 min/day) group based on changes in walking times between baseline and 3 months, as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The 6-min walk distance improved in both groups with exercise training. Physical activity level did not increase in some patients, despite improvements in exercise tolerance. Depression improved significantly in the active group, but no correlation was found with physical activity. Factors contributing to physical activity changes were not identified. The all-cause hospitalization rate was lower in the active group during follow-up (mean 10.5 months). Conclusion: Exercise training effectively increased 6-min walk distance regardless of physical activity. Non-active patients experienced increased all-cause hospitalizations. Increasing physical activity improves patient outcomes.

Keywords

• exercise
• defibrillator
• heart failure