Improving cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life among heart failure patients: A comparative study of circuit resistance training and myofascial release techniques.

Abstract

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) imposes limitations due to severe dyspnea and fatigue, which are often linked to diminished exercise tolerance, potentially influenced by compromised microvascular density, blood flow, and muscle strength. Myofascial release techniques (MRT) have demonstrated the capacity to enhance blood flow by reducing fascial tension.PurposeTo assess the impact of incorporating MRT into Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) in comparison to an unsupervised home-based rehabilitation (RUHB) program on exercise tolerance (ET), muscle strength (MS), quality of life (QoL), and depression in patients with HF.MethodsA randomized clinical trial involved HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, ejection fraction ResultsThirty-eight patients (14 in CRT, 14 in CRT+MRT, and 10 in RUHB), with a mean age of 55 years and 50% male, completed the study. After 12 weeks, only the CRT group displayed a significant effect in certain ET variables VO2 peak [baseline 12 (9-15) vs post 16 (11-19) ml/kg/min, pConclusionOur findings suggest that CRT alone is sufficient to enhance cardiorespiratory function and muscle capacity, improve the quality of life, and alleviate depression in individuals with HF.