AEROBIC EXERCISES IN HEART FAILURE - A REVIEW

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of aerobic exercise training on the quality of life QoL, morbidity, mortality of patients with Heart Failure (HF) SEARCH STRATEGY EBSCO Host, MedLine, Cochrane database, CINHAL, Ovid, AMED were the databases searched, from 1999 to 2010 which was the peak era of implementation of aerobic exercises for HF and other cardiac diseases. SELECTION CRITERIA The studies that involved aerobic exercise either in combination or alone were included according to the criteria of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I-III HF patients. Randomized control trails (RTCs) and systematic reviews were included in the study. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The screening of the papers was done by three review authors. The initial screening was conducted by the first author followed by further selection by the second and third. MAIN RESULTS 10 articles met the inclusion criteria including 3 systematic reviews. 3647 participants made one trial greater than the rest. The average age observed was from 30-82 years, where males were dominating in almost all studies. The review reveals no statistical differences in the mortality and morbidity. There was no individual effect of aerobic exercise on QoL whereas better results were reviewed when performed in combination. CONCLUSION Aerobic exercises have improved the physiological function, aerobic capacity and quality of life among the patients suffering with HF. However, these exercise therapies were given in combination with resistance training but distinct essence for mortality, morbidity and QoL need to be investigated further in the review.