Effects of Progressive Muscular Relaxation Combined With Aerobic Continuous Training on Exercise Tolerance, Hemodynamics, and Life Quality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Purpose: To assess if the addiction of progressive muscular relaxation (PMR) to aerobic continuous training (ACT) is more effective than ACT alone in order to improve exercise tolerance of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods: Thirty CHF patients, age 67±6 years; ejection fraction 34±2. NYHA II–III was enrolled. Fifteen patients were randomized to group 1 and performed PMR and ACT; 15 to group 2 and performed ACT alone. At baseline and after 8 weeks all patients underwent: 6-minute walking test (6 MWT), measurement of blood pressure and heart rate, administration of a quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-brief). PMR and ACT were performed 3 times/week.Results: After 8 weeks, 6MWT distance increased in both groups without between groups difference. Patients of the group 1 had a greater decreased of systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate compared to group 2. Patients of the group 1 had a greater significant improvement on psychological domain and a greater, despite not significant, improvement in the social domain.Conclusions: The addiction of PMR to ACT, do not improves exercise tolerance but strengthen the effects of ACT on hemodynamic profile and psychological status of patients with CHF.