Effect and Safety of Combination of Waon Therapy and Exercise Training in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Exercise training or Waon therapy is effective in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the efficacy of combination of Waon therapy and exercise training in CHF has not been elucidated. Objective: To elucidate the effect and safety of combination of Waon therapy and exercise training in CHF. Method: Twenty eight patients with CHF were enrolled [only Waon therapy group: 17 patients, combined therapy group (Waon therapy and exercise training): 11 patients]. In both groups, Waon therapy was started immediately after admission. In combined therapy group, exercise training was started at the steady state. BNP and exercise capacity evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing were measured in all patients before and after the study. Results: In only Waon therapy group, log BNP tended to decrease by Waon therapy, but exercise capacity did not change. On the other hand, in combined therapy group, log BNP tended to decrease, and peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope were significantly improved by combined therapy of Waon therapy and exercise training. In addition, there is no patient with deterioration of symptom or dropout in both groups. Conclusion: Combined therapy of Waon therapy and exercise training in CHF is effective and safety.