Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Program on Sleep Quality in the Elderlies with Heart Failure

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbances, a common compliance of the elders with heart failure (HF) that can reduce quality of life. Because simple and low-cost interventions, such as exercise, help to improve sleep, therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of aerobic and resistance exercises on the quality of sleep in elderly patients with heart failure. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 60 males with type 2 and 3 heart failure were selected by available sampling method and were randomly entered to test and control groups. Pitzberg’s sleep quality questionnaire was used to collect data. Aerobic and resistance exercises were performed three times a week for three months. Before and after the intervention, the questionnaires were completed and the sleep quality of the two groups was compared. FINDINGS: The aerobic and resistance exercise had promoted scores of sleep duration (0.23±0.77), sleep efficiency (0.73±1.01), mental sleep quality (0.6±0.93), and daytime function (0.06±1.14)(p<0.05). But the exercise Program doesn’t effect on sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and use of sleep medications. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that aerobic and resistance exercises help improve the daily performance of elderly patients with heart failure by improving sleep quality and some of the indices of sleepiness.

Keywords

• Aerobic Exercise
• Resistance training
• Heart Failure
• Aging
• Sleep