The effect of physical load on aerobic capacity and cardiovascular function in heart failure

The study problem: decreased physical activity, aerobic capacity, muscle strength are the main factors restricting daily life of patients with heart failure. Object of study: heart rate, muscle strength and endurance, fatigue and breathlessness changes during different physical activities in patients after myocardial infarction. Aim of study: to evaluate effect of physical load on aerobic capacity and cardiovascular function in patients with heart failure. Objectives of the study: 1. To evaluate changes in aerobic endurance, cardiovascular function and strength of leg muscles in patients of control and investigative groups during post-acute stage. 2. To evaluate changes in fatigue and dyspnea in patients of control and investigative groups during convalescence stages. 3. To evaluate changes in aerobic endurance, cardiovascular function in patients of control and investigative groups during convalescence stage. Hypothesis of study: we consider that physical load have positive effect on patients' aerobic endurance, cardiovascular function during post-acute stage and recent parameters will increase more in investigative group compare to control in convalescence stage. Methods and organization of study: a study was carried out in Vilnius University Hospital ,,Santariškių klinika’’Cardiologic rehabilitation unit in 2007-2008. 50 patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure (according to NYHA class III) were included in the study. Physical load was given according to their physical capacity. Physical conditions of the patients were evaluated twice: during post-acute stage and during convalescence stage. Conclusions: 1. Physical load during post-acute stage improved aerobic endurance (p0.05) in patients of control and investigative groups. 2. Dyspnea and fatigue decreased in patients of control and investigative groups during convalescence stage (p0.05) in patients of control and investigative groups, but more in investigative group compare to control during convalescence stage