Different levels of continuous training improve echocardiographic parameters, quality of life, and functional capacity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Various comorbidities and physiological alterations contribute to the complexity of heart failure conditions, influencing the optimal approach to exercise-based rehabilitation. Purpose This study sought to investigate and compare the effects of continuous training at three distinct intensities, specifically examining left ventricular (LV) remodeling, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods In a randomized control trial, 60 male patients (mean age: 54.33 ± 2.35 years) diagnosed with HFrEF were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) High-Intensity Continuous Training group (HICT), 2) Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training group (MICT), and 3) Low-Intensity Continuous Training group (LICT). All participants underwent training on a bicycle ergometer three times per week for 12 weeks. Echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)), quality of life (assessed through the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), and functional capacity (measured by the 6-minute walking test) were evaluated before and after the study. Results The HICT group exhibited the most significant improvements in all assessed variables compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). These findings were consistently observed across all measured outcomes. Conclusion It was deduced that High-Intensity Continuous Training (HICT) emerged as the most advantageous approach in enhancing echocardiographic measures, NT-proBNP levels, quality of life, and functional capacity among patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).