Effects of combined inspiratory and resistance training programs on the respiratory capacity, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure

Introdução: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome multissistêmica via final comum de diversas doenças cardíacas que cursa com redução da capacidade funcional e sintomas como fadiga muscular, dispneia e piora na qualidade de vida. Para melhorar a capacidade respiratória e funcional desses pacientes, estratégias voltadas ao fortalecimento muscular podem ser utilizadas, tais como o treinamento muscular inspiratório e o fortalecimento muscular periférico. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de treinamento combinado muscular inspiratório e periférico de baixa intensidade (TBI) e de moderada intensidade (TMI) sobre a força muscular respiratória, a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida de pacientes com IC avançada. Métodos: Cinquenta e três pacientes com idade >= 18 anos, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classe funcional II-III e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo = 18 years, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II-III and left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% were randomly assigned to a control group (non-exercise), the LRT group (15% maximal inspiratory workload and 0.5 kg of peripheral muscle workload) or the MRT group (30% maximal inspiratory workload and 50% of 1 maximum repetition peripheral muscle workload). Both training programs were performed along 8-weeks and 7 sections/week with 45 min each exercise section. We assessed quality of life using questionnaires, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, airway inflammation, peripheral muscle strength, walking distance and NYHA functional class along the study period. Results: After 8- weeks, all patients from Control (n=9), LRT (n=13) and MRT (n=13) reported 10% improvement in quality of life. LRT and MRT resulted in respiratory muscle improvement (24 and 33%, respectively) and peripheral muscle strength in upper limbs (41 and 72%, respectively) and in lower limbs (28 and 47%, respectively), besides improvement in walking distance (9 and 16%, respectively). The MRT also improved expiratory muscle strength and NYHA functional class. Conclusions: The MRT improved inspiratory, expiratory and peripheral muscle strength, walking distance and NYHA functional class in HF patients. However, the LRT also was beneficial to improve inspiratory and peripheral muscle strength and walking distance. Therefore, LRT is an efficient rehabilitation method for both debilitated HF patients and/or for patients awaiting cardiac transplantatio