Inspiratory Muscle and Peripheral Muscle Training in Chronic Heart Failure

Inspiratory Muscle and Peripheral Muscle Combined Training Effects on the Respiratory and Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Chronic Heart Failure

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that is the common end of several cardiac diseases with symptoms such as muscle fatigue, dyspnea and reduction of quality of life. To improve respiratory and general functional capacity of these patients, there are strategies that can be used such as inspiratory muscle training and peripheral muscle training (dynamic resistance training).

After agreement with the written informed consent, 35 subjects with severe heart failure were included in this study. They were randomized in three groups: controls, low-intensity and moderate-intensity group. All volunteers were assessed at Baseline and 8-weeks intervention. Cardiac events were registered following two years from baseline. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a combined program of inspiratory and peripheral muscle training on respiratory and general functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic heart failure (functional class from NYHA II and III),
• left ventricle ejection fraction bellow or equal 40%.

Exclusion Criteria:

• uncontrolled arrhythmia
• pulmonary edema or pulmonary congestion in the last 30 days
• peripheral oxygen saturation bellow 92% in resting condition
• respiratory infection in the previous 30 days to the enrollment into the study
• cognitive, neurological or orthopedic limitations