Effect of exercise training on aerobic capacity in heart failure patients

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized aerobic exercise program prescribed according to V̇O₂max measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in a cardiac rehabilitation setting. Methods An observational case-control study. Thirty patients diagnosed with compensated Heart failure and functional capacity New York Heart Association 2-3 were included in the study. Participants underwent a CPET to determine aerobic capacity. Before and after the intervention, CPET and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) for functional exercise capacity, the short form-36 health survey (SF-36) scale to assess quality of life, handgrip strength using a dynamometer for muscle strength, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were applied. Results The study included 30 patients, 85.7% of whom were male, with a mean age of 52.8 years. The CPET results before and after rehabilitation revealed changes in several parameters; however, only PETCO₂ and resting systolic blood pressure showed statistically significant changes. There were no significant differences in the VO₂ max, VE/VCO₂ slope (EQCO₂), O₂ pulse, or heart rate recovery (HRR) levels after treatment assessment. In the functional assessment, handgrip strength significantly increased (<em>P</em> = .001). The energy/fatigue and social functioning domains of the SF-36 significantly improved after rehabilitation (<em>P</em> = .032 and <em>P</em> = .024, respectively). There was no difference in anxiety or depression assessments (both <em>P</em> > .05). Conclusion A structured rehabilitation program featuring continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise significantly improves ventilatory efficiency, blood pressure control, peripheral muscle strength, and certain aspects of quality of life in heart failure patients.